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M-Kopa Uganda has launched a new program called “More Than a Phone” to give everyday Ugandans access to quality smartphones with extra benefits like health insurance, device repair, and affordable credit. The initiative is designed for people who usually face difficulties in accessing mobile phones and financial services because of high costs and lack of support.
Many Ugandans who earn money on a daily basis find it hard to buy a good smartphone upfront. Repairs are also costly, and without access to credit, many families remain stuck using small feature phones. The General Manager of M-Kopa Uganda, Ms. Brendah Nambalirwa, said the company understands the struggles of ordinary citizens. She explained that small challenges like a cracked screen or an unexpected hospital bill should not stop people from making progress in life.
As part of the program, M-Kopa partnered with Turaco, a leading Insurtech company, to provide free hospital cover for customers who purchase smartphones through the platform. Anyone who maintains at least an 80 percent repayment record on their phone loans will enjoy up to Shs750,000 in hospitalisation cover each year. Beneficiaries will also receive Shs25,000 per night for a maximum of 30 nights whenever they are admitted. To make life easier, each smartphone also comes with one free screen repair during the loan period, with a turnaround time of just 10 days. This helps people avoid losing contact with their business or loved ones because of minor accidents.
For traders and workers across Uganda, the project is already changing lives. A vegetable vendor at Kalerwe Market, Ms. Grace Namukasa, explained how the program has transformed her business. She said that before joining M-Kopa, she only had a small basic phone that could not access the internet. With the new smartphone, she is now able to order goods online, reach her customers through WhatsApp, and even send money to her children in school. According to her, the phone has given her new opportunities and helped her grow her business.
M-Kopa is not new in Uganda. Over the years, the company has financed smartphones for hundreds of thousands of people. The organisation is focused on promoting digital inclusion by ensuring that low-income earners are not left behind as Uganda continues its journey towards digital transformation. By combining technology with social support, M-Kopa is helping Ugandans access financial tools and online services that were once out of reach.
The General Manager, Ms. Nambalirwa, added that the company’s mission is to create real and visible impact. She said that the introduction of health insurance and screen protection shows that the company is not just selling phones but also providing security and peace of mind for customers. She explained that the goal is to keep people productive and safe while they stay connected.
The “More Than a Phone” model is built around flexible daily payment plans that match how most Ugandans earn money. Instead of demanding large upfront payments, M-Kopa allows market vendors, boda-boda riders, and casual labourers to pay in small amounts each day until they complete their loan. This system has made smartphones more affordable for people who would otherwise remain excluded from the digital world.
Experts believe that programs like this will support Uganda’s wider vision for inclusive growth. The government has been working towards ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the country’s digital economy, and private companies like M-Kopa are helping to drive that change. Technology, in this case, is not just about modern gadgets but about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods, and protecting vulnerable people from unexpected financial shocks.
The launch of this initiative has received praise from communities and observers who see it as an important step in empowering Ugandans with both connectivity and financial resilience. As Uganda’s economy continues to grow, innovative partnerships such as this could help bridge the gap between rich and poor, urban and rural, and digital haves and have-nots.
M-Kopa’s program has already demonstrated that with the right model, it is possible to empower people who live on daily wages with tools that help them thrive in business, education, and family life.
