The Cheapest SMS API for Uganda and East Africa — UGX 20/SMS, Pay with Mobile Money
Let me show you exactly how much SMS costs across the main providers, then show you the cheapest working option with code you can use today.
The Real Cost of SMS APIs in Uganda (2026)
| Provider | Price per SMS | Uganda Networks | Pay with MoMo? | Min. top-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twilio | ~USD 0.09 (~UGX 333) | ✅ | ❌ VISA only | $20 |
| Yoola SMS | UGX 20–35 | ✅ | ✅ | UGX 1,000 |
| Most local providers | UGX 40–80 | Partial | ❌ | High |
Yoola SMS gives you enterprise-grade SMS delivery with a full dashboard, API, PhoneBook management, scheduling, delivery reports, and Mobile Money top-up — at prices no other Uganda provider matches.
Why "Cheapest" Matters in Uganda
If your client is a SACCO with 2,000 members sending monthly statements:
| Rate | Monthly cost (2,000 SMS) |
|---|---|
| UGX 80/SMS (some local) | UGX 160,000 |
| UGX 35/SMS (Yoola Basic) | UGX 70,000 |
| UGX 25/SMS (Yoola Advanced) | UGX 50,000 |
| UGX 20/SMS (Yoola Unlimited) | UGX 40,000 |
That is a UGX 120,000 saving per month compared to expensive local providers — just from switching API.
Getting Started (Literally 3 Minutes)
# No npm install. No pip install. No SDK.
# Just HTTP POST. Works from any language.
1. Create account: yoolasms.com/accounts/register — free, 3 SMS included
2. Top up: MTN MoMo or Airtel Money — credits land instantly
3. Integrate: copy the code below
JavaScript / Node.js (fetch API)
async function sendSMS(phone, message, apiKey, sender = 'YoolaSMS') {
const res = await fetch('https://yoolasms.com/api/v1/send.php', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify({ phone, message, api_key: apiKey, sender }),
});
return res.json();
}
// Single
const r = await sendSMS('0704487563', 'Your loan is approved. Visit our office Monday.', 'YOUR_KEY', 'SACCO');
console.log(r.status, r.credits_used, r.balance);
// Bulk — just comma-separate
const phones = ['0701111111', '0772222222', '0756333333', '0703444444'].join(',');
const bulk = await sendSMS(phones, 'SACCO AGM: Saturday 12th July, 10AM. Ggaba Community Hall. Attendance mandatory.', 'YOUR_KEY', 'SACCOAlert');
console.log(`Sent to ${bulk.recipients} members`);
Python
import requests
def send_sms(phone, message, api_key, sender="YoolaSMS"):
r = requests.post(
"https://yoolasms.com/api/v1/send.php",
json={"phone": phone, "message": message, "api_key": api_key, "sender": sender},
timeout=30
)
return r.json()
# Check balance first
def get_balance(api_key):
r = requests.get(f"https://yoolasms.com/api/v1/balance.php?api_key={api_key}")
return r.json()
api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY"
# Check balance before bulk send
balance = get_balance(api_key)
print(f"Credits available: {balance['balance']}")
# Send
result = send_sms(
"0704487563,0772727716,+254712345678", # Uganda + Kenya in one call
"Your order #4521 has been shipped. Delivery in 2 business days.",
api_key,
"ShopAlert"
)
print(f"Sent to {result['recipients']} | Credits: {result['credits_used']} | Balance: {result['balance']}")
Volume Pricing That Scales With You
UGX 35/SMS — 1 to 999 per month (starter, small business)
UGX 30/SMS — 1,000 to 9,999 (growing business)
UGX 25/SMS — 10,000 to 59,999 (established business)
UGX 20/SMS — 60,000+ (enterprise)
Credits never expire. Load once, use whenever.
What Makes It Cheaper Than Going Direct to
Yoola SMS gives you everything out of the box — your client logs in, uploads a CSV, types a message, and sends. No technical knowledge needed on their end. You integrate the API once, they use the dashboard forever.
East Africa Pricing
Uganda (MTN/Airtel) — 1 credit/SMS (~UGX 35)
Uganda (UTL/Hamilton) — 2 credits/SMS (~UGX 70)
Kenya (+254) — 3 credits/SMS (~UGX 105)
Tanzania (+255) — 3 credits/SMS (~UGX 105)
Rwanda (+250) — 4 credits/SMS (~UGX 140)
South Sudan (+211) — 4 credits/SMS (~UGX 140)
Nigeria (+234) — 5 credits/SMS (~UGX 175)
UK (+44) — 12 credits/SMS (~UGX 420)
UAE (+971) — 8 credits/SMS (~UGX 280)
USA (+1) — 10 credits/SMS (~UGX 350)
Start Free Today
What are you building? Drop it in the comments — I'd love to see what people are integrating SMS into across Africa.