Poor network quality inside Kampala’s buildings, especially on lower floors and in basements, has frustrated many mobile users.
Recent findings from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) shed light on the reasons behind this persistent problem.
According to the UCC, weak indoor signal penetration and interference from unauthorized communication equipment are the main causes of poor network performance inside buildings. Many users experience dropped calls, slow internet, and frequent connection issues because signals struggle to reach areas deep within structures such as basements or ground floors.
The UCC’s quality of service (QoS) study assessed mobile voice and data coverage across three busy Kampala buildings — Temusewo Mpoza, Kalungi Plaza, and Arua Park Plaza — focusing on major telecom operators including MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Lycamobile, and UTCL (Utel).
The results showed voice services were generally acceptable, but data services suffered significantly, with users facing high latency and packet loss.
One key factor behind the poor indoor network is the limited use of in-building solutions (IBS) by operators. These technologies, such as indoor signal boosters and small cell installations, are designed to improve coverage inside buildings but are often not fully deployed.
In addition, unauthorized installation of signal boosters by building occupants or third parties can cause interference and degrade overall network quality.
Joseph Kizito, Acting Director for Industry Affairs and Content Development at UCC, explained that network rollout is a gradual process. Operators develop coverage plans spanning five years and aim to cover at least 90% of targeted areas within that timeframe. “This rolling process explains why users might still experience weak signals today, especially indoors,” he said.
Kizito also highlighted the importance of infrastructure sharing among operators to improve efficiency and speed up coverage expansion, especially indoors. He urged telecom companies to invest more in in-building network solutions and called on the public to avoid unauthorized installations that worsen signal interference.
The poor network inside Kampala buildings is largely due to physical challenges of signal penetration, insufficient in-building infrastructure by operators, and interference from unauthorized equipment. With coordinated efforts from the telecom companies, UCC, and building owners, improved indoor network quality is achievable, promising better voice and data services for urban users