Airtel Uganda Unveils AI Spam Alert to Tackle Mobile Fraud
Airtel Uganda has launched an AI-powered spam alert service aimed at protecting customers from fraudulent SMS messages. The first of its kind across Airtel Africa markets, the service analyzes over 250 real-time parameters, labeling suspicious messages as “SPAM ALERT” without compromising user privacy.
The launch, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, was officiated by Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, alongside UCC Executive Director Eng. George William Nyombi and Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Som Soumendra.
“This innovation acts as a digital safety net for our customers,” said Soumendra. “We’re committed not only to connectivity but also to safeguarding users in the digital space.”
The AI system, trained on local scam patterns such as fake job offers, mobile money fraud, and impersonation schemes, also cross-checks harmful web links in SMS messages. As more users report fraud, the system continuously improves its detection capabilities.
Hon. Baryomunsi praised the service as a “forward-thinking innovation” aligned with government goals for digital security, while UCC’s Nyombi underscored the Commission’s support, citing that over UGX23 billion was lost to mobile scams in 2024 alone.
The service, which works at both network and IT levels, requires no opt-in or app downloads. It processes over 1.5 billion messages in just two milliseconds, offering a seamless, privacy-respecting layer of protection.
Uganda is the first Airtel market to adopt the AI spam detection service, with plans underway for expansion across other countries.
