What does a Uganda phone number look like?
- International format
+256 712345678- IDD format (caller ID)
00256 712345678- Mobile example
-
0712345678(local) →+256 712345678 - Landline example
-
0312345678(local) →+256 312345678
Received a call or message from +256?
A call or text from +256 (or 00256) originates from Uganda.
If you don't know anyone in Uganda, be cautious. Common patterns with unfamiliar international numbers:
- One-ring scams (Wangiri): The caller rings once and hangs up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number. Don't return calls to numbers you don't recognize.
- SMS phishing: Messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies. Legitimate organizations won't contact you from a +256 number unless you have an account in Uganda.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +256 may not actually originate from Uganda.
If you do know someone in Uganda and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Uganda from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+256 [local number]Example:
+256 712 345678 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+256followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
256, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 256 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 256 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 256 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +256 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Yes. When calling Uganda from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
For example, if the local number is 0XX XXX XXXX, dial +256 XX XXX XXXX.
What time zone is Uganda?
Africa/Nairobi
Good time to call
07:04 PM local time · Weekend daytime
Good for personal calls.
How much does it cost to call Uganda?
International calls to Uganda vary dramatically by provider. Major US carriers charge $3.00/min or more, while VoIP services like DialHard start at $0.87/min.
| Provider | Rate/min | vs DialHard |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $3.00 | 71% more |
| Verizon | $2.99 | 71% more |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 | 71% more |
| DialHard | $0.87 | Save ~71% |
Carrier rates are based on published international calling rates without plan add-ons. Your actual rate may vary.
Calling Uganda
Direct calling to Uganda isn't available yet. View available destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +256 from?
+256 is the international dialing code for Uganda.
Is +256 a mobile or landline code?
+256 is the country code for all of Uganda — both mobile and landline numbers use this code. The digits after the country code may indicate the number type, but this varies by country.
Is a call from +256 a scam?
Not necessarily. +256 is the legitimate country code for Uganda. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Uganda, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Uganda connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +256 (not 00256 or just 256)
- Extra digits: Remove any trunk prefix (usually 0) from the start of the local number
- Missing digits: Ensure you have the complete local number after the country code
What does a Uganda phone number look like?
A Uganda number in international format starts with
+256 followed by the local number.
Example: +256 712345678
How do I save a Uganda number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +256 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +256?
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers by opening your recent calls, tapping the number, and selecting "Block." To block all calls from a country code, check your carrier's international call blocking options or use a call-filtering app.