Watu Uganda has financed one million smartphones through its Watu Simu product, marking a major milestone in expanding access to digital tools for income earners across the country.
The milestone was celebrated at an event in Kampala on July 20, 2026, coinciding with seven years of Watu’s operations in Uganda since its launch in 2019, and three years since it introduced smartphone financing in 2023.
Watu Simu enables customers to acquire smartphones through a down payment followed by manageable instalments, removing the burden of paying the full cost upfront. For many Ugandans including boda boda riders, traders, small business owners and students—the smartphone has become an essential tool for business and communication.
The company’s growth has accelerated rapidly, reflecting rising demand for affordable digital access. After reaching 500,000 financed devices in 2025, Watu doubled that figure to one million by July 2026, with more than 250,000 devices financed in the first half of the year alone.
Officials attribute the growth to an expanding nationwide network that now includes more than 300 dealer partners, 29 branches, over 10,000 agents and 880 staff.
“Growth like this doesn’t happen by accident,” said Damien Gueroult, the country manager. “That kind of demand tells you people want a practical way to own a phone, not just a subsidy.”
He said continued investment in the dealer network has enabled customers to access Watu Simu services across both urban and rural markets.
The integration of Watu’s services has also strengthened customer uptake. More than 6,000 boda boda riders who previously financed motorcycles through the company have gone on to acquire smartphones, using both assets to support their livelihoods.
Women are also playing an increasing role in the uptake of the service. Female customers account for 42 per cent of Watu Simu’s total customer base and now represent half of all new customers as of June 2026.
For many users, the service is transforming how they conduct business. Suzan, a market trader in Kampala, said the financed smartphone has enabled her to stay connected with customers and suppliers, allowing her to steadily repay the loan through daily earnings. In Rukungiri district, a tailor named Adrine said the flexible repayment plan has made it easier to own a smartphone, prompting her to refer others to the service.
“We’re just getting started,” said Mykyta Batenko. “We are focused on reaching the next one million customers and doing it faster than the first.”
Beyond smartphones, Watu Uganda also finances motorcycles, including electric models, targeting customers who rely on mobility for income generation.
The milestone underscores the growing role of asset financing in bridging the digital divide, as more Ugandans turn to flexible payment solutions to access essential technology.
The Kampala event brought together Watu staff, dealer partners and customers to celebrate the achievement and reflect on the company’s expanding footprint in Uganda’s digital and financial services
