MTN Uganda has awarded the artistes with the most downloaded CallerTunez in 2021 across different music genres in a colourful event held at the Kampala Serena Hotel last evening.

The 2021 MTN CallerTunez awards were a culmination of the six-month-long award journey during which different artists with the most downloaded ring back tune and lucky customers who downloaded and used the tunes on their phones were rewarded with cash prizes on a monthly basis since July last year.

If you are a mobile data user, it is apparent that from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep, you do quite a number of things online. And now, with the latest repackaging of the MTN daily data bundles, you can do twice as much using your mobile data for the same old prices.

This year, MTN set a downward trajectory for data pricing by repackaging its data bundles to offer customers up to 100% more data on the most popular daily bundles at the same old prices. 

Somdev explains that the MTN data bundles were repackaged to offer more value to the customers at the same old prices, starting from as low as UGX.250/-

Based on the new changes, at UGX 250/-, MTN data customers now get 30MBs, instead of 15MBs and for UGX 500/-, they get 80MBs instead of 40MBs, signaling a 100% increment in the data volume. For UGX 1000/-, subscribers get 180MB instead of 100MBs, which is 80% more. For UGX 2000/- the customers get 400MBs instead of 300MBs, which is 50% more than before, at the same old pricing. These prices are permanent. These bundles can be purchased via the MyMTN app or by dialing *150*10#.

With data evolving as the most precious commodity of the 21st century, its availability bucked by its affordability is key for driving digital inclusion in Uganda where internet penetration stands at 26.2%, (Digital 2021 Report: Uganda) signaling the future runway for growth available in the country. 

Over the years, MTN Uganda has continuously taken bold strides aimed at steering digital inclusion by not only investing in its network but also making it more affordable for the masses.

“While commodity prices in other industries are increasing, we are swimming upstream to ensure that we democratize our mobile data services,” says Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda’s chief marketing officer. 

“It is twice as much data as I used to get for the same price. I can now stay online longer and market my business even more,” says Josephine Ninsiima, a fresh food trader who has harnessed digital marketing for her business. 

Like Ninsiima, more mobile data customers are taking advantage of the repackaged MTN daily data bundles to do more online, ranging from education, work and e-commerce among many other things that come with the availability of affordable data. 

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd (“the Company”) has noted with great concern a message circulating on social media in which an anonymous person claims the disappearance of Ush 2.7M (Two million and seven hundred thousand Uganda shillings) off their Mobile Money wallet, alluding to insiders in the company having access to customers’ secret PINs.

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd would like to assure all its thirteen million active customers, that their Mobile Money PIN (Personal Identification Number) is secret information inaccessible to anybody inside or outside the company, except the customer.

We appeal to all our customers to follow the golden rules of security when transacting using MTN Mobile Money:

1. Under no circumstances should a customer share their PIN, code or the One-Time Password (OTP) with anyone.
2. Do not use simple PIN combinations that can easily be guessed; e.g., 0-0-0-0-0 or 1-2-3-4-5; if a customer is currently using one, we urge them to change the PIN immediately.
3. MTN will call its customers using Telephone number 031 212 0000 only. Should anybody call a customer on behalf of the Company with an alternative number, please consider them to be a fraudster and call our customer care helpline 100 for confirmation.

If our customers follow the above 3 golden rules, nobody can have access to their Mobile Money wallet without the customers entering the 5-digit secret PIN into their phone themselves explicitly or unconsciously.

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd is regulated by the Bank of Uganda and is managed to the highest international standards of good corporate governance with zero tolerance to fraud. The company has invested heavily in state-of-the-art secure mobile money platforms and robust cyber security IT-systems to ensure safety and security of our Mobile Money system and customer data.

We ask all our customers to remain vigilant and immediately contact us via our customer service helplines in case of any attempt by fraudsters to access their Mobile Money wallets.

• MTN Foundation has today handed over a newly refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Mbulamuti sub-county, Kamuli district.

• This initiative underpins MTN’s commitment of improving the livelihoods of the communities in which it operates through its corporate social responsibility.

In order to extend quality maternal health care services to the people of Mbulamuti, sub-county, MTN Foundation has today handed over a newly refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli district.

MTN Foundation, through Joint Medical Stores in 2020 refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Mbulamuti, with the aim of kick-starting operations at the facility which was non-operational for 10 years, due to lack of medical equipment.

The project which cost UGX122million focused on equipping the labour ward with items such as delivery beds, medicine trolleys, baby resuscitators, suction pump, catheter, patient beds in the maternity ward, oxygen cylinder and regulator to mention but a few.  The laboratory, post natal ward, store and doctor’s room among others were also equipped with an array of medical equipment.

Speaking during the official handover of the facility held today at Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli, the MTN General Manager for Customer Experience, Dorcas Muhwezi said that the project was driven by the telecom’s vision to improve the livelihood of the communities in which it operates.

“MTN sought to empower the hardworking staff of Mother Kevin health centre III in order to provide safe and quality health care to the people in Kamuli and the surrounding districts. This initiative underpins our commitment to improving the livelihoods of the communities in which we operate through our corporate social responsibility,” Muhwezi said.

Through this project, MTN Foundation also constructed sanitary facilities such as a placenta pit and lavatories for the health centre.

The Executive director Joint Medical Stores Dr. Bildard Baguma, said this project is testament that combined efforts culminate into great achievements.

“The 30,000 patients who are going to benefit from the infrastructural upgrades and state of the art medical equipment that this project has provided are the reason why we are so proud of our partnership with MTN Foundation. We look forward to more projects like these to impact even more people.” he noted.

While making his remarks, the Resident District Commissioner, Kamuli district, Robert Mutemo applauded the MTN Foundation for the impact that it has created in the district.

“I am extremely happy and grateful to the MTN Foundation for the work it has achieved at this facility. I am informed that since the equipment of this facility in 2020, the health centre in 2021 provided services to over 1500 people in the region. This would all not be possible if it was not for MTN Foundation and its commitment towards supporting the government agenda of ensuring that all Ugandans have access to quality social services,” he said.

Further recognizing MTN’s initiatives in the region, Mutemo said MTN has over the years continually demonstrated a fondness for the Busoga sub-region through the numerous donations and CSR activities undertaken to improve the livelihood of the people in Busoga.

In 2020, MTN boosted palliative care services in Busoga sub-region through a cash donation to Rays of Hope Hospital, a non-governmental organization that provides palliative care to improve the quality of life for people with life-threatening illnesses and their families in Busoga region and the neighboring districts.

In the same year, the telecom also signed a 2-year partnership with the Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga Kingdom worth UGX 600 million with focus on the kingdom’s social, cultural, and economic programs in the areas of health, sports, and culture.

“Efforts such as this one by MTN fortify government efforts towards extending quality and affordable health care for all Ugandans,” Mutemo noted.

• MTN Foundation, the charity arm of MTN Uganda, has today handed over a newly constructed classroom block and staff quarters to Bigodi Secondary School and Rwengobe Primary School respectively.
• By undertaking this initiative, MTN is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Uganda to continually support and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.

 

MTN Foundation, the charity arm of MTN Uganda, has today handed over a newly constructed classroom block and staff quarters to Bigodi Secondary school and Rwengobe Primary School respectively.

The project was funded by MTN Foundation and implemented through Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), a non-government organisation dedicated to improving access to quality education in Uganda.

MTN Foundation through this project which cost nearly UGX350million, constructed and furnished a 3-classroom block at Bigodi Secondary School to create adequate learning space for the students.

The project also saw Rwengobe Primary School receive newly constructed staff quarters with the capacity to accommodate 6 teaching staff and the Head Master of the institution.

According to Wim Vanhelleputte, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, who was speaking at the official handover of the schools in Kamwenge today, by undertaking this initiative, MTN is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Uganda to continually support and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.

“We believe that this classroom block will alleviate challenges of congestion and limited learning space for the students while also creating an enabling environment for learning.  Through this project, MTN also hopes to create positive impact with ripple effects culminating into the social and economic development of the country,” he noted.

Information from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2021 abstract indicates that Kamwenge district has the third highest student to classroom ratio in the Western and South-Western region of Uganda. This implies that the district has the third highest number of students per classroom in the entire region after Sheema and Bundibugyo.

In addition, the abstract indicates that secondary school enrolment has reduced by 6% from 1.4m in 2016 to 1.3m in 2017.

The research spells out the need for increased efforts towards creating an enabling environment in secondary schools to encourage student enrolment.

With about 28 schools in Uganda, supporting over 1500 students to access quality education, PEAS continues to play a key role in improving the education sector in the country.

MTN Foundation has over the years invested heavily in improving infrastructure across schools in Uganda such as constructing classroom blocks and sanitary facilities at Kichwamba PEAS School in Kabarole, Noble PEAS High School and Aspire PEAS School in Ibanda district which has positively impacted thousands of students in the Western region.

While delivering his remarks, the Guest of Honour, the Outgoing Resident District Commissioner, Kamwenge district, Martin Mugabe lauded MTN Uganda for its support to the education sector in the Western region of Uganda noting it will play a critical role in alleviating some of the challenges faced by schools in the country.

“Teacher absenteeism is also another challenge that still persists within the education sector in Uganda. A World Bank report dubbed: the Global Corruption report in 2013 named Uganda as the country with the third highest rate of teacher absenteeism in the world, standing at 27%, yet the global ceiling is 30%. These challenges across schools in the country need to be tamed especially during this period of the pandemic, and I believe this initiative by MTN is one of the key solutions,” he said.

While further appreciating the MTN Foundation for this initiative, Mugabe also urged the administration and management of these schools to guard the new infrastructure with the aim of sustaining the impact for the long term.

• MTN Pulse, has today awarded Victoria University scholarships to 10MTN pulsers who are set to commence their studies at Victoria University this month.
• The scholarships comprise of 5 full and 5 partial scholarships to Pulsers who will commence studies in the university’s March intake. 
• MTN Pulse and Victoria University launched their partnership early this year with the aim of supporting youths to attain further education for a prosperous future.                          

 MTN Uganda’s youth dedicated platform, MTN Pulse, has today awarded scholarships to 10 teens following a partnership between Victoria University and MTN Uganda, with a vision of supporting teens to attain further education for a prosperous future.

Victoria University (VU) is a premier transformational higher education-oriented institution of learning with the mission of providing a dynamic environment, innovation, research, and community engagement. Victoria University has 2 intakes with one starting in March and another in September.

The 10 winners of the 5 full and 5 partial scholarships are set to commence their studies on 21^st March 2022 in the University’s March intake.

Speaking at the scholarship awarding ceremony today, Somdev Sen the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Uganda highlighted that the partnership is anchored on MTN Pulse’s steadfast commitment to create and extend opportunities to the youth in a bid to help them realize their full potential and get ahead in life.

“On behalf of MTN Uganda, I applaud the winners of these scholarships and wish them well in their studies at one of the most prestigious learning institutions in the country,” Somdev said.

Through this partnership, Victoria University is targeting problem solvers that have transformational ideas that change lives and impact the community while MTN Pulse is providing support to the youth to help them reach their full potential.

The winners of the full scholarships include; Alupo Yvonne, Nanteza Nuriat, Jumba Jonathan, Nambissa Blessing Tracy, and Remo Idris Sebbi while the winners of the partial scholarships include; Mbogga A Swamaduh, Kataike Bridget, Nakayiwa Brenda, Nakayiga Shamim, and Okanya Brian.

 Dr Lawrence Muganga the Vice Chancellor Victoria University assured the Winners that Victoria University is focused on harnessing the potential of all youth with innovative ideas for the betterment of their lives and country.

“Young people look around yourselves and the world, the world is too big and you can reach wherever you want. Of all people who live on earth about 23% are student’s. So you step in a sea of people that are trying to better themselves. As Malcom X noted that education is your passport to your future, You either claim your passport now or you leave it behind and the boarders will close and you will not go anywhere. To those who prepare themselves for that very future, they are going to thrive. You have the opportunity that Victoria University and MTN pulse have given you an opportunity to be part of MTN Pulse Nation, the nation of life, grab it, live with it, benefit from it and Victoria University is there to hand hold you and take you to that future you desire most” Dr Lawrence

The Vice chancellor also explained that “Education has bitter roots, but the fruits are sweet. The way you conduct yourself when you come to Victoria University will determine which fruit you get. For Victoria University we are to give you the best education you will ever find in this country or East Africa. We think if a company like MTN is hiring, they are always looking for experience, so we will ensure that by the time you graduate you will leave with a 2-3 years of work experience.”

Welcome to Victoria University, Welcome to the pulse nation which means to life. At Victoria University you are not only just student but a colleague. You have some value to add to Victoria University fraternity. We want to see your idea come to life through our incubation Centre. Keep your ideas alive and walk into our incubation Centre such that your ideas come to life. Since the world is looking for an expert in solving problem. Be one of them and be assured of job in a world of high employment” Dr Muganga added.

The 10 winners were voted by the public based on their submitted videos, explaining why they needed the MTN Pulse-Victoria University scholarships. Over 12k votes were received on the pulse platform.

This partnership will further cement the MTN Pulse’s ambition towards the empowerment and advancement of teens and youths in Uganda. Last year, MTN Pulse developed a strategic partnership with Fuzu, the leading career guidance, and job opportunities platform to improve the career and job prospects of Pulsers.

These are, but some of the many deals that MTN has secured for its youth segment customers. In addition to offering them discounted MTN products and services, the youth on MTN Pulse automatically qualify for discounts and freebies with various MTN Pulse partners. Simply go to https://www.mtn.co.ug/pulse/offers to get the best deals from the leading glam, fashion and eating joints around town courtesy of MTN Pulse.

According to Somdev, it is easy for youth to become MTN Pulsers; All they have to do is dail *157# OK.

About Victoria University

Victoria University is the first university in Uganda to offer Experiential Learning. Our work-integrated learning program enables students to complete a program of three years with at least 2-3 years’ work experience. Additionally, Victoria University offers the opportunity to learners from around the world to stay in their homes, stay in their jobs and earn a degree of their choice primarily from our e-Campus.

Founded in 2013, Victoria University is currently the fastest growing university in East Africa. We are located in the heart of Kampala city and on the main public transportation routes. Find us at Victoria Towers, Plot 1-13, Jinja Road.

Victoria University is part of the Ruparelia Group of Companies whose footprint in the education sector runs right from the foundational primary level to the highest level of education in Uganda. Our sister schools include Kampala International School of Uganda, Kampala Parents School and Delhi Public School International.

Victoria University is a cosmopolitan university with students from more than 50 countries across the world. We are accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to offer degree programs in the Faculties of Business Management, Health Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, the Institute of Education and the School of Law. Having been ranked by the NCHE as the best in delivery of Emergency Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) with an impressive score of 86.1%, Victoria University has cemented its place as Uganda’s leading technologically – enabled university.

We are happy to be the first University approved to host an EON Reality Center in Uganda, paving the path to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology in education. Victoria University offers a curriculum that focuses on both today and future’s workforce needs. This is why our graduates have a 96% employer satisfaction rate.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Lawrence Muganga

Vice Chancellor,

vicechancellor@vu.ac.ug

PUBLIC STATEMENT

Over the last weekend, our customers experienced service disruptions following routine maintenance implemented during the service window on 11th March 2022. The service disruption impacted a limited range of transactions as our technical team managed to swiftly restore full service.

MTN Uganda reassures its esteemed customers and the general public that there has been no loss of funds on our clients’ accounts.  We regret any inconveniences caused by the system intermittences. Customers may contact us through social media or our call center for further assistance related to their individual accounts.

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited remains committed to providing a secure and reliable Mobile Money platform to all its customers and stakeholders

MTN Uganda has today reinforced its partnership with M-KOPA in a bid to avail 4G smartphones at instalment payment terms, as a way of making them accessible to the people who may not be able to pay for smartphones, upfront. This follows a successful partnership between MTN and M-KOPA last year that enabled the sale of over 70,000 smartphones on M-KOPA’s fintech platform, which has financed over 2 million customers across Africa.

Under this partnership, customers can choose from a wide range of up to 11 assorted Samsung and Nokia devices from M-KOPA and finance them for up to one year while enjoying free data from MTN, every day for a year as they use their smartphones. Customers can opt for a daily, weekly, or monthly payment plan for any of the devices they choose to purchase.

While officially launching the MTN and M-KOPA partnership, Ian Mugambe, the MTN Uganda High-Value Segment Marketing Manager said that the partnership is aimed at enabling the public to acquire smartphones in the most financially convenient way that doesn’t affect their cashflow.

“With the current digital evolution, a smartphone is more than just a phone. It is an enabler for work, business, education and access to a wealth of information that can help people get ahead in life. However, many people fail to own smartphones due to their high cost of purchase. Therefore, by availing of such a flexible payment solution coupled with free daily data, we believe many more people will now find owning a smartphone much easier.” Mugambe said.

 

M-KOPA Uganda’s spokeswoman, Brendah Nambalirwa, said; “This partnership has already proven to be a successful way to accelerate smartphone penetration and digital inclusion in Uganda. Affordable payment solutions for our customers, who would ordinarily find it difficult to access credit or save large deposits, can now instantly have a 4G smartphone in their hands and connect to the internet for a myriad of services. Many of our customers are doing so for the very first time.”

M-KOPA is a fintech platform that provides connected financing and digital financial services to underbanked consumers across Africa. As a financing platform, M-KOPA has provided more than $600 million in credit across multiple products and financial services to its customers. They source their devices straight from the manufacturer, so users are guaranteed a high level of quality for the purchased devices. M-KOPA also operates a robust repair center and offers world-class after-sales services for customers whose gadgets may require after-sales care.

Just like M-KOPA, MTN is keen on availing avenues to her customers to access the best possible device deals in the market today. Therefore, by partnering with M-KOPA, MTN is demonstrating its commitment towards continuing to break the barriers to smartphone penetration in the country, as well as helping customers access the best internet experiences in the land with the world-class devices provided by M-KOPA.

This partnership closely follows MTN’s repackaging its daily data bundles to offer customers up to 80% more data at the same existing prices, thus making the internet more affordable by giving customers more value for their money. Relatedly, a recent report from a survey carried out by a global telecom monitoring and testing firm, Rohde & Schwarz, in the last quarter of 2021 ranked MTN’s data as the best in the country in terms of quality of user experience as well as speed, reliability and coverage.

This partnership is one of the various customer-centric partnerships that MTN has undertaken with a vision of driving digital inclusion through accelerating smartphone penetration.

 

About M-KOPA

Founded in 2011, M-KOPA is a fintech platform that provides connected financing and digital financial services to underbanked consumers by leveraging data to combine digital micropayments with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. With operations in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana, M-KOPA’s platform has provided over $600 million in financing that has enabled 2 million customers to access smartphones, solar lighting, solar-powered appliances and digital financial services such as cash loans and health insurance.

About the MTN Uganda

MTN Uganda is a leading telecoms company in Uganda with a primary objective of carrying on the business of a national operator of a telecommunications network pursuant to the NTO license granted by the UCC. Among our offerings are network services, digital and financial technology services, interconnect and roaming, sale of mobile devices and MTN Mobile Money (which is conducted through subsidiary MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited). MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda. Our services are delivered through a network of 119,077 Mobile Money agents, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. At end of June 2021, MTN Uganda had 14.9 million subscribers, 8.6 million MoMo users and 4.7 million active data users. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug or follow us on

www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnug or www.twitter.com/mtnugpro for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our 240 million customers in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code “MTN”. We are pursuing our Ambition 2021 strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses.

For more information, please contact: 

MTN Uganda Press Office: mediadesk.ug@mtn.com

Rhona Arinaitwe: Rhona.Arinaitwe@mtn.com or 0772 123 067

Prisca Baike: prisca.baike@tbwa-uganda.com or 0782 654 083

• MTN Uganda and M-KOPA partnered to further spur digital inclusion through availing high-quality smartphones which customers can pay for in affordable instalments 

 

• The partnership allows customers to acquire smartphones and conveniently pay for them on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis while using the phones.

• Customers also get free daily data of 50MBs from MTN for a full year while they finance their smartphones.

MTN Uganda has today reinforced its partnership with M-KOPA in a bid to avail 4G smartphones at instalment payment terms, as a way of making them accessible to the people who may not be able to pay for smartphones, upfront. This follows a successful partnership between MTN and M-KOPA last year that enabled the sale of over 70,000 smartphones on M-KOPA’s fintech platform, which has financed over 2 million customers across Africa.

Under this partnership, customers can choose from a wide range of up to 11 assorted Samsung and Nokia devices from M-KOPA and finance them for up to one year while enjoying free data from MTN, every day for a year as they use their smartphones. Customers can opt for a daily, weekly, or monthly payment plan for any of the devices they choose to purchase.

While officially launching the MTN and M-KOPA partnership, Ian Mugambe, the MTN Uganda High-Value Segment Marketing Manager said that the partnership is aimed at enabling the public to acquire smartphones in the most financially convenient way that doesn’t affect their cashflow.

“With the current digital evolution, a smartphone is more than just a phone. It is an enabler for work, business, education and access to a wealth of information that can help people get ahead in life. However, many people fail to own smartphones due to their high cost of purchase. Therefore, by availing of such a flexible payment solution coupled with free daily data, we believe many more people will now find owning a smartphone much easier.” Mugambe said.

M-KOPA Uganda’s spokeswoman, Brendah Nambalirwa, said; “This partnership has already proven to be a successful way to accelerate smartphone penetration and digital inclusion in Uganda. Affordable payment solutions for our customers, who would ordinarily find it difficult to access credit or save large deposits, can now instantly have a 4G smartphone in their hands and connect to the internet for a myriad of services. Many of our customers are doing so for the very first time.”

M-KOPA is a fintech platform that provides connected financing and digital financial services to underbanked consumers across Africa. As a financing platform, M-KOPA has provided more than $600 million in credit across multiple products and financial services to its customers. They source their devices straight from the manufacturer, so users are guaranteed a high level of quality for the purchased devices. M-KOPA also operates a robust repair center and offers world-class after-sales services for customers whose gadgets may require after-sales care.

Just like M-KOPA, MTN is keen on availing avenues to her customers to access the best possible device deals in the market today. Therefore, by partnering with M-KOPA, MTN is demonstrating its commitment towards continuing to break the barriers to smartphone penetration in the country, as well as helping customers access the best internet experiences in the land with the world-class devices provided by M-KOPA.

This partnership closely follows MTN’s repackaging its daily data bundles to offer customers up to 80% more data at the same existing prices, thus making the internet more affordable by giving customers more value for their money. Relatedly, a recent report from a survey carried out by a global telecom monitoring and testing firm, Rohde & Schwarz, in the last quarter of 2021 ranked MTN’s data as the best in the country in terms of quality of user experience as well as speed, reliability and coverage.

This partnership is one of the various customer-centric partnerships that MTN has undertaken with a vision of driving digital inclusion through accelerating smartphone penetration.

• MTN Foundation in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation has today embarked on the construction of a skilling facility with the capacity to train 400 girls annually in vocational programs.

• The training facility will specialize in vocational and business upskilling, inclusive of courses like electricity installation, house painting, tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, among others.

• The launch of the event comes as the world joins together to celebrate the International Women’s day on March 8.

MTN Foundation in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation has today embarked on the construction of a skilling facility with the capacity to train 400 girls annually in vocational programs.

The facility which will be housed at the Smart Girls Foundation offices in Kampala will specialize in vocational and business upskilling, inclusive of courses like electricity installation, house painting, tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, among others.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony held in Kampala today, MTN Uganda General Manager for Customer Experience, Dorcus Muhwezi said the project is envisaged to give birth to 40 new women-led businesses in the country.

“The objective of the project is to widen career prospects and opportunities for women by diversifying and breaking the glass ceiling into careers that were previously regarded as a preserve for men,” Muhwezi said.

The project is expected to cost UGX230million which will facilitate the construction of an auto vehicle servicing station, a newly constructed washing bay and the renovation of 3 classrooms and a main hall with a capacity of 30 students per room.  In addition to training the young women, the vehicle servicing station and washing bay are also expected to ensure sustainability of the project through generating income for the Smart Girls Foundation for services rendered by the trainers to the public.

Smart Girls Foundation is a not for profit organisation centred on skilling and empowering the girl child with the vision to transform their lives for a brighter future.

In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, the Resident District Commissioner Wakiso District who was represented by John Baptist Nsaba, the RDC Representative welcomed the initiative by MTN saying it complements government’s ambitions towards promoting gender equality and empowering the girl child.

“I wish to commend MTN for consistently championing efforts geared towards supporting government’s vision and policies such as the equal opportunities policy and the UN sustainable development goal 5 which focuses on achieving gender equality and women empowerment,” she said urging other private sector players to emulate MTN’s initiatives to propel the country’s economic growth.

The launch of the project comes as the world joins together to commemorate the International Women’s day held on March 8 under the theme: Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”.

In celebration of the International women’s day, the MTN Foundation engaged in various activities with the young girls at Smart Girls Foundation including kitchen gardening and mentorship sessions in career guidance facilitated by members of the MTN Women Group.

The partnership between MTN Foundation and Smart Girls Foundation is one of many interventions undertaken by the former to empower women and girls in Uganda.

In June 2019, during the 21 days of YelloCare, the annual staff volunteerism initiative, MTN supported the Smart girls Foundation with a donation worth UGX30million with the aim of enhancing the girls’ learning experience. As a result, the organisation increased the number of girls trained at the facility from 30 to 64 in a wide range of programs including mechanical, electrical installations and welding.

In the same year, MTN announced UGX50m sponsorship towards the Kyabazinga Girl Child program aimed at supporting and improving the lives of women and youth in the Busoga region.

Similarly, MTN Foundation in 2016 partnered with the Forum for African Women Educationalists Uganda Chapter (FAWEU) to provide full cover University Education scholarships for ten (10) Ugandan girls across the country.