Africa-Press – Uganda. M-Kopa Uganda has unveiled “More Than a Phone”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering everyday Ugandans through smartphones bundled with life-changing benefits including health insurance, affordable credit, and device protection.
The program targets communities that traditionally face barriers to digital access and financial services.
For thousands of Ugandans who earn a living one day at a time, owning a quality smartphone has often remained out of reach due to high upfront costs, expensive repairs, and limited access to financial tools.
M-KOPA’s innovative model addresses these challenges by offering flexible daily payment plans aligned with how most Ugandans earn, making smartphones accessible to market vendors, boda-boda riders, and casual workers.
“This is about walking alongside our customers and recognising their realities. A cracked screen or unexpected medical bill shouldn’t derail someone’s progress,” explained Brendah Nambalirwa, general manager of M-KOPA Uganda.
Through a partnership with the Insurtech company Turaco, every M-Kopa smartphone comes with free hospital cover.
Customers maintaining an 80% repayment rate can receive up to Shs750,000 in hospitalisation cover per year, with a nightly reimbursement of Shs 25,000 for up to 30 nights. In addition, users are guaranteed one free screen repair during their loan period, with a quick 10-day turnaround, ensuring minor accidents don’t disrupt communication or business.
For community members like Grace Namukasa, a vegetable vendor in Kalerwe Market, the initiative has been transformative.
“Before M-Kopa, I used a small feature phone. I couldn’t access online markets or mobile banking. Now I can order supplies, communicate with my customers on WhatsApp, and even send money to my children at school,” she said.
M-Kopa has already financed smartphones for hundreds of thousands of Ugandans, bridging the gap between digital inclusion and financial empowerment.
The program supports Uganda’s broader vision of inclusive growth, ensuring that Every Day Earners are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.
“Our goal has always been to unlock real, tangible progress in the lives of our customers,” Nambalirwa added.
“By bundling health insurance and device protection into every smartphone, we are ensuring that people are not just connected, but safe, productive, and secure.”
Initiatives like “More Than a Phone” are redefining innovation in Uganda, proving that technology is not just about gadgets—it is about changing lives and building resilience among everyday citizens.
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