Bulk SMS is a service that lets you send large numbers of text messages to mobile phones at once. You upload or enter your recipients, type your message, and Yoola SMS delivers it to every number via Uganda's telecom networks (MTN, Airtel, etc.) within seconds.
How quickly are messages delivered?
Messages are normally delivered within 5–30 seconds for promotional SMS. Transactional messages (OTPs, alerts) sent via our priority API route are delivered in under 15 seconds — as long as the recipient's phone has network coverage.
Can customers reply to my SMS messages?
Yes! Yoola SMS supports two-way messaging. Each message sent has a unique identifier. If a customer replies, their response is routed directly to your Yoola SMS inbox and can also be delivered to your server via a webhook URL.
Does Yoola SMS support local languages like Luganda?
Yes. You can send messages in Luganda, Swahili, Arabic, and any other language using Unicode character support. Just type your message in the language of your choice when composing.
How much does bulk SMS cost?
From as low as UGX 20 per message when you send 60,000+ SMS. Smaller volumes start at UGX 35/msg. Visit our Pricing page to see all tiers and use the cost calculator.
Is there a limit to how many numbers I can send to at once?
No limit at all. You can send to as many Ugandan numbers as you have in your contact list — whether it's 100 or 500,000. As long as you have sufficient credits, there is no cap.
What is the maximum length of an SMS message?
A standard SMS is 160 characters. If your message is longer, it will be sent as multiple SMS linked together (concatenated). Yoola SMS handles this automatically and shows you the exact credit cost before you send.
Sending Bulk SMS
How do I send my first bulk SMS?
Log in, click "Compose Message" in your dashboard, type your message, add recipients (manually, by group, or upload an Excel/CSV file), and click Send. Delivery begins immediately.
Can I upload contacts from Excel?
Yes. Upload a .xlsx or .csv file with a column of phone numbers. Yoola SMS imports them instantly and automatically removes any duplicate numbers before sending.
Can I personalize messages with each recipient's name?
Yes. Use the {name} merge tag in your message and upload a contact list that includes a name column. Each recipient receives a message with their own name inserted automatically.
Can I schedule messages to send later?
Yes. When composing, select "Schedule" and pick any future date and time — up to one year in advance. Yoola SMS will deliver the message automatically at the scheduled time without you needing to be online.
How do I send SMS messages to a group?
Create a contact group in your Phonebook, add your contacts to it, and when composing a message select "Send to Group." All contacts in that group receive the message in one click.
Can I send the same message to both MTN and Airtel numbers?
Yes. Yoola SMS delivers to all Uganda networks — MTN, Airtel, Africell, UTL, and more — in a single send. No need to separate your lists by network.
What types of SMS can I send?
Yoola SMS supports both Promotional SMS (for marketing campaigns, active 9 AM–9 PM) and Transactional SMS (for OTPs, alerts, confirmations — available 24/7 via API).
Prices & Purchasing
How do I buy SMS credits?
Log in to your Yoola SMS account, go to "Top Up" and choose MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Visa/Mastercard, or bank transfer. Credits are added to your account instantly after payment confirmation.
What is the minimum top-up amount?
The minimum top-up is UGX 2,500. There is no maximum — large businesses regularly top up millions of shillings at once.
Do SMS credits expire?
No. Credits you purchase never expire. You can buy credits today and still use them in two years — there is absolutely no time pressure on your balance.
Is there an auto-renew or subscription?
No. Yoola SMS is purely pay-as-you-go. You top up when you need more credits. There are no recurring subscriptions, monthly fees, or auto-deductions.
Does the price include VAT?
Our listed per-message prices are before 18% VAT. The VAT amount is shown clearly before you confirm any purchase. Enterprise clients outside Uganda may be exempt — contact sales.
Can I get a custom price for very large volumes?
Yes. If you send more than 100,000 SMS per month consistently, contact sales@yoolasms.com for an enterprise quote with even better per-message rates.
How do I buy SMS credit using Mobile Money?
Click "Top Up" in your dashboard, select "MTN Mobile Money" or "Airtel Money", enter the amount, and follow the Mobile Money prompt on your phone. Credits are added in under 60 seconds.
SMS API Integration
What is an SMS API?
An API (Application Programming Interface) allows your software, website, or app to communicate with Yoola SMS automatically. Instead of logging in to send messages, your system calls our API and messages are sent in real time without manual intervention.
How do I get my API key?
Create a free account at yoolasms.com. Once logged in, go to Dashboard → API Key to copy your unique key. It is generated instantly — no approval waiting period.
Which programming languages does Yoola SMS API support?
Our REST API works with any language that can make HTTP requests. We provide ready-to-use code samples for PHP, Python, JavaScript, Node.js, Java, and cURL. Visit our API Integration page.
How do I send bulk SMS messages for my business via API?
Use our REST API endpoint: POST to https://yoolasms.com/api/v1/send_sms with your api_key, sender name, message text, and comma-separated mobile numbers. Full documentation is on the API page.
Do you have a WordPress or WooCommerce plugin?
Yes. We offer plugins for WordPress and WooCommerce for automated SMS notifications on orders, shipments, and customer events. Download links are on our API Integration page.
Can I receive inbound SMS via API?
Yes. Yoola SMS supports inbound (reply) SMS. You can poll your inbox via API or configure a webhook URL that we call in real time whenever someone replies to your message.
Is there a rate limit on the API?
Standard accounts can send up to 100 numbers per API call. You can make multiple calls in sequence for larger lists. Enterprise accounts have higher per-call limits — contact us for details.
Delivery & Networks
Which networks in Uganda does Yoola SMS support?
Yoola SMS delivers to all networks in Uganda: MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Africell, UTL, Smile Telecom, and K2 Telecom. Your messages reach every Ugandan phone regardless of their network provider.
How fast are messages delivered?
Promotional messages are typically delivered within 5–30 seconds. Transactional messages (OTPs, alerts) via our priority API route are delivered in under 15 seconds — provided the recipient has network coverage.
What happens if a message is undelivered?
Failed messages appear in your delivery report dashboard in real time. If a message fails due to a platform issue on our end, credits are refunded. Contact support within 48 hours with your campaign ID for review.
Can I send SMS to international numbers?
Yoola SMS is optimized for Uganda. International sending is available on request — contact sales@yoolasms.com for international routing rates.
Can I send SMS messages to any network through Bulk SMS Service?
Yes! You are free to send messages to any telecom service provider in Uganda. You do not need to separate your contacts by network — one send reaches MTN, Airtel, and all other networks simultaneously.
What is a Sender ID and how do I get one?
A Sender ID is the name that appears as the "From" on your SMS (e.g., "YoolaBiz" instead of a number). You can register your brand name as a Sender ID from your dashboard. Approval typically takes 1–2 business days.
Opt-ins & Opt-outs
Can recipients opt out of my SMS messages?
Yes. Yoola SMS includes opt-out management. When a contact replies with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE, they are automatically added to your opt-out list and will not receive future messages from your account.
What happens if I send to an opt-out number?
The Yoola SMS system automatically filters out opted-out numbers from your campaigns before sending. You will not be charged credits for opted-out contacts.
How do recipients opt in to receive my SMS?
You are responsible for collecting consent from your recipients before messaging them. Common methods include sign-up forms on your website, in-store registration, or advertising a keyword that people text to subscribe.
Is it legal to send bulk SMS in Uganda?
Yes, provided you have the recipients' consent. Uganda's Data Protection & Privacy Act 2019 requires that you only send marketing messages to people who have given you permission to do so. Yoola SMS does not allow spam or unsolicited messaging.
Can I view my full opt-out list?
Yes. Your opt-out list is visible in your dashboard under the Phonebook section. You can export it at any time for your records.
Privacy & Security
Is my data safe with Yoola SMS?
Yes. All data is encrypted in transit using 256-bit SSL/TLS. Your contact lists and message data are stored securely and never sold or shared with third parties for marketing. Read our full Privacy Policy.
Do you comply with Uganda's Data Protection laws?
Yes. Yoola SMS operates in full compliance with Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 (PDPA). We take data privacy seriously and give you full control over your data.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. Email support@yoolasms.com with a data deletion request. We will permanently delete your account and all associated data within 30 days, except where legal retention is required.
Who can see my contact lists?
Only you can see your contact lists. No other Yoola SMS user or staff member has access to your phonebook data. Our privacy policy prohibits any sharing of your customer data.
What happens to my data if I close my account?
Your personal data and contact lists are retained for 90 days after account closure (in case you wish to reactivate), after which they are permanently and irreversibly deleted from our servers.
Account & Signup
How do I open an account with Yoola SMS?
Click "Sign Up Free" from the top-right of any page. Fill in your full name, email address, phone number, and password. You'll receive a verification code — verify your account and you're ready. You get 3 free SMS credits immediately.
Can I test the platform before buying?
Absolutely yes! Every new account gets 3 free SMS credits on signup — no credit card required. You can send real messages to test exactly how Yoola SMS works for your business before spending a shilling.
What do I need to register?
Just a valid email address, a Ugandan phone number, and a password. No documents, no credit card, and no business registration is required to get started.
Can I have more than one account?
Each individual should have one account. Businesses needing multiple sub-accounts (e.g. for different departments) should contact our support team to set up a reseller or enterprise account structure.
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and enter your email address. You'll receive a password reset link within a few minutes. If you don't see it, check your spam folder or contact support.
How do I upgrade my account for higher volumes?
There is no separate upgrade needed. Your per-message rate automatically improves as you top up more credits. Buy more and the system applies the best rate for your volume tier automatically.
Still Have a Question?
Our Kampala-based team is online every day. Fastest response is on WhatsApp.
Help & Support