When your customers get an SMS from MYSHOP instead of a random phone number, they trust it more and open it more often. That name is called a sender ID. This guide explains what it costs in Uganda, what you need to prepare, and how long it takes.
What is a sender ID?
A sender ID is the name that appears as the sender of your SMS. It can be up to 11 characters, made of letters and numbers. Keep it to one short word: spaces and symbols are not reliably supported. Use your own business or brand name, not another company's name.
Do I need one to start?
No. You can create a Yoola SMS account and send straight away using the shared YoolaSMS sender name. Register your own sender ID when you want your brand on every message.
What it costs in Uganda
In Uganda, sender IDs are registered with the mobile networks, and the networks charge for it. Choose the option that matches your customers:
- MTN only: UGX 50,000 setup, then UGX 250,000 per month. Approval takes about 3 to 7 working days.
- Airtel only: UGX 50,000 setup, then UGX 250,000 once. Approval takes about 5 to 10 working days.
- All networks (MTN + Airtel): UGX 50,000 setup, then UGX 500,000 per month. Approval takes about 5 to 10 working days.
These amounts are the network fees before 18% VAT. The sender ID guide on our website always shows the current figures.
What you need to prepare
- Your certificate of registration (business, company, NGO or school). PDF, JPG or PNG, up to 5 MB.
- A signed letter to each network (MTN, Airtel or both). We give you the letter to download: put it on your letterhead, fill it in, sign and stamp it, then scan or photograph it.
Step by step
- Sign in to your Yoola SMS account and open Sender IDs.
- Choose your name and the network option (MTN, Airtel or both).
- Upload your documents. The page shows exactly which ones your option needs.
- Wait for approval. We review your request and submit it to the network. A name can be rejected, so pick a name that clearly matches your business.
- Pay the setup fee once approved. Your sender ID is then locked to your account only, so nobody else can send under your name.
- Send. In Compose SMS, your own sender ID is selected for you by default, and you can switch back to YoolaSMS any time.
Common reasons for rejection
- A generic name such as INFO, ALERT or NOTICE.
- A name that does not match the business on your certificate.
- A blurry, cropped or unsigned letter.
Good to know: a sender ID is one-way
An SMS sent under a name cannot receive replies. If you need customers to reply to you, plan for that separately, for example by including a phone number in the message or using an inbound number arrangement.
Ready to start?
Create a free account, then open Sender IDs. If you want help choosing the right network option, message us on WhatsApp at +256 704 487 563.
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