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MTN has opened remote access to its business services by introducing a self-help USSD service

MTN Business customers who were previously accessing all their business solutions from service centers, can now join and buy business bundles from  *177#

 MTN Uganda has unveiled a convenient and easy channel for business customers to join and access different offers from MTN by way of self service. This is a concerted effort to empower customers to take care of their needs and to save time spent walking to service centers, as they will now take business into their own hands.

With this new self-help business solution, customers in search of business solutions simply have to dial *177# to enjoy easy access to MTN Business offers as opposed to visiting the service centres.

Until now, business customers have been accessing MTN Business solutions through service centers only. Therefore, this initiative will give them the ability to access all their business solutions and support at their fingertips, in the comfort of their premises, homes, offices or wherever they are, hence saving them a lot of time that they spend queuing up at the service centres.

Business customers should simply dial *177# to join and thereafter purchase bundles such as Business Combo bundles, Unlimited Internet bundles and Fixed line bundles among other services provided by MTN Business.

While addressing the press at the launch, Mr. Ibrahim Senyonga, the General Manager MTN Business said  “With this new innovation, our customers will have less business being in a service center as we open up the ability for them to address their needs remotely on their own”.

Senyonga further noted that the initiative is tailored towards fostering convenience, saving time and improving the MTN Business customer service experience.

 

 

                                                                                       

Students of St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in the North Eastern district of Moroto are set to benefit from a fully furnished ICT lab courtesy of the MTN Foundation in partnership with the Belgian development agency, Enabel.

The MTN Uganda Foundation which is the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Uganda, in partnership with Enabel, a bilateral agency that implements and coordinates the international development policy of Belgium have extended support to vocational institutes through the provision of computers and fast internet connection. This is expected to partly contribute to the fulfillment of the aspirations of the 10-year BTVET strategic plan called “Skilling Uganda” and ultimately result in the equipping of youth with the skills needed for employment and job creation in order to eradicate poverty.

The laboratory whose equipment cost 64 million shillings will also support and provide educational services to students from neighboring communities. MTN Uganda renovated and repainted the laboratory, donated 10 computers connected to high speed internet connectivity and a digital learning platform.

 

 

 

Other beneficiaries include; St Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Center in Hoima and Amelo Technical Institute in Adjumani district which were refurbished and commissioned last year. The entire project for the three ICT labs cost 192 million shillings.

Speaking at the commissioning of the laboratory at St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in Moroto, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte, the Chief Executive Officer MTN Uganda said that: “The aim is to skill Ugandan youth for the 21st century job market by enabling them to access technical and vocational information online through open education resources for skills development.”

Vanhelleputte further noted that the decision to support vocational institutions was based on the fact that vocational training was found to be an effective way of addressing unemployment, which is a major issue for the youth in Uganda today.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Uganda H.E Rudi Veestraeten noted that his country and Ireland have close to 5 years heavily invested in skills development through supporting the implementation of the skilling Uganda strategic plan. The laboratory, he said, will address some of the challenges that vocational institutes currently face.

“Although ICT has been formally integrated into the Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training curriculum, Vocational Institutes lack general computer equipment, trained ICT staff and ICT content and programmes,” he said.

The Director for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr. Oceng Odok Robert lauded MTN Uganda and Enabel for supporting government initiatives through supporting the education sector.

“As we are all aware, today, the role of ICTs in education cannot be under estimated. ICTs play a critical role of shaping the desirable 21st century work and life skills,” he said.

Fr. Jude Kiggala, the Principal of the Institute said the laboratory will enable them to embrace modern technology to keep up with the ever-evolving trend so as to provide a workforce befitting the 21st century.

 

 

 

“Instructors will use the lab to source information to better the quality of their trainings, understand the latest trends in their respective fields then align their trainings accordingly.” Fr. Kiggala said.

Ends

MTN

The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

Enabel

William Yeka, william.yeka@enabel.be, 0701 153727

 

MTN Uganda has been recognized by Rohde & Schwarz, with “Highest Network Performance Score” for its data and voice services.

The award was officially presented to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MTN Uganda – Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte at the company’s offices in Kololo, Nyonyi Gardens on Tuesday, 18 February 2020 by Shakil Ahmed, Director Africa together with Paul Mwangi, Manager Mobile Network Testing, Rohde Schwarz.

Rohde & Schwarz bestowed this award on MTN Uganda following tests conducted on ground in Uganda, during the 3rd quarter of 2019, and within the framework of a study that involved extensive tests of voice calls and internet speed evaluations across over 8500km around the country as well as static tests in hot spots.

These independently conducted network quality and performance tests were done on the networks of all mobile operators in Uganda and benchmarked against leading European mobile telephone operators using the network performance scoring methodology of European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) TR 103 559 S.

Rohde & Schwarz is a renown international organization that specializes in auditing 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G performance of mobile networks across the globe using the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)/ETSI standards and methodology.

“The award justifies MTN’s commitment over the years to continuously invest in a wide and quality network.”, said Mr. Vanhelleputte.

“The advantage of using this global standard of measurement (is that), it challenges us to not only be the best in Uganda but also benchmark ourselves against leading networks across the world. Our consistent investment in the network over the years is getting us ever closer to the ‘best in class’ global networks.”, he further noted.

MTN’s network had the highest aggregated voice performance score across major towns and on highways. This specifically with regard to placement and quality of calls. In addition, MTN Uganda also registered the highest aggregated data performance score in relation to quality of videos and ability to stream.

Being the market leader with more than 13 million customers, MTN Uganda has made it a strategic priority to deliver and maintain a positive experience for customers using our network.

Commenting on the subject, MTN Uganda Ag. Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mr. Samuel Sentongo said, “MTN Uganda’s innovation agenda requires that we constantly invest, upgrade and maintain a robust network, one that can optimally carry and sustain both voice and data traffic as well as the rapidly growing mobile financial services portfolio”.

MTN has over the years embarked on an aggressive dual data strategy, through which the company is not only heavily investing in the network but also signing-up various partnerships with device manufacturers and other related service providers to put in the market affordable data enabled devices. “At MTN, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. That explains our commitment to put communication and access to the internet in the hands of every Ugandan while maintaining a network that has both the reach and quality to sustain positive customer experiences,” concluded the CEO.

In January 2020, MTN Uganda became the first operator in East Africa and the third in Africa to showcase the 5G network to its customers, after MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria last year. The use case trials demonstrated the capability of 5G, giving customers a glimpse of the benefits, this future technology will deliver.

Ends.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As at 31st December 2018, MTN Uganda recorded 11.2 million subscribers across Uganda. 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 BRIGHT strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses.

For more information, please contact:

The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or

Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

 

Rotary Uganda is looking to raise US$100,000 towards the equipping of the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital. Through the Annual Transformational Leadership Forum and concert, which will take place next week on Friday 28th February 2020, the Uganda Rotary Blood Bank Programme is seeking to collect funds to purchase ultra-modern blood-processing equipment.

The equipment to be purchased, at a total  cost of US$100,000, will complete the blood processing cycle. It includes the Automatic Blood Grouping Machine, which determines the donated blood groups; and the Floor Standing Centrifridge 6000i for component preparation, which separates blood into different components like platelets, plasma and packed red cells among others.

Purchase of this equipment will be an additional boost to the recently acquired transfusion transmissible infection testing machines, and will go a long way in making the Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank a fully fledged facility that will serve as a backup to the national blood transfusion services.

The Uganda Rotary Blood Bank Programme has over the past three years held concerts to raise funds towards building a first class fully-fledged facility that can test, process and pack safe blood.  Through these initiatives and local fundraising drives among local Rotary clubs and the community, US$856,000 was raised for construction of the building.

The Transformational Leadership Forum, whose theme is ‘United by Blood’, will feature an array of prominent and inspirational internationally acclaimed speakers including H.E. Dominic Barton, Canada’s Ambassador to China; Professor PLO Lumumba from Kenya; Nabou Fall, a renowned author and blogger and President of the Women’s Investment Club in Ivory Coast; and Mr. Edgar Kasenene a leading business executive and digital transformation advocate across Africa and Europe.

Each of these personalities will address the participants on topics ranging from transformational leadership, international collaborations, public private partnerships, innovation, and the Africa Free Trade Agreement. In addition, there will be a discussion on Africa’s role in the global corporate world by a rich panel of discussants.

The Leadership Forum will be concluded with a dinner and concert featuring renowned local artistes. The function is expected to attract about 500 people among them corporate organisations. Main sponsors for the Forum include Stanbic Bank and MTN Uganda, which will have each contributed Ushs 25 million. Tickets to the function are sold at the Rotary Office and are available on 0751-335772 and 0781-059300.

Announcing the sponsorship package, Bryan Mbasa, the Manager MTN Foundation commended Rotary Uganda for coming out, once again, to support the Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank. “We are happy to join hands once again with the Uganda Rotary Blood Bank Programme to boost the equipment in this crucial facility. MTN Uganda and Rotary are ‘United by Blood’, because our operations here for over 20 years have given lasting relationships that we treasure. That is why we keep coming back to support such initiatives as this one”, he said.

Patrick Mweheire, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda said, “Our partnership with Rotary Uganda is a noble one. We are happy and proud to be back this year to once again raise funds to support the equipping of the Rotary Blood Bank. We see this as a worthwhile investment in people and health, the most valuable asset we have as a business and nation, that’s why are back this year. We stand firmly by the slogan that we are “United by Blood.”

The idea of constructing a Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital was born in 2013/2014 when a number of Rotary Clubs under the leadership of the then District Governor Emmanuel Katongole, set out to build a modern facility to complement the existing National Blood Bank in Nakasero.   The total cost of this project was US$ 1,305,219.

The construction of the 800sqm facility cost US$ 856,000. This was funded by local initiatives including fundraising concerts, a Rotary Cancer run and donations from corporate entities, Rotarians and individual well wishers. The sophisticated blood banking equipment and training of the specialized staff cost US$247,000, which was raised from Rotary Clubs both in Uganda and abroad through a Rotary grant. The total cost of the facility so far, including equipment is Ushs 1.3 billion.

The Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank was jointly opened by the then Rotary International President John F. Germ and the Right Prime Minister of Uganda Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. The facility is fully functional and employs 13 medical practitioners.  It operates under the supervision of Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS)

Since its establishment on 27th February 2017, approximately 9,647 units of blood have been collected in the Rotary Mengo Blood Bank.

According to World Health Organization standards (WHO), Uganda needs at least 350,000 units of safe blood annually yet only 250,000 units of blood are collected. This leaves a deficit of approximately 100,000 units of blood annually. This critical blood shortage affects services and puts patients’ lives at risk.

In all, about US$700,000 is needed to cater for extra equipment to transform it into fully fledged Blood Bank independent from the National Blood Bank.

 About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We connect 1.2 million members from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Visit Rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.

As has been the case in the previous years, MTN Uganda staff will join the Rotary community in the Cancer Run that is slated for this Sunday in Kampala and in all major towns across the country in a bid to raise funds for the construction of two Bunkers that will ease the treatment of cancer.

While receiving the cancer run kits on behalf of MTN Uganda staff at Nyonyi gardens today, Bryan Mbasa, the Acting Senior Manager MTN Foundation said that the cancer run is a noble event with good intentions in the area of health that the MTN Foundation is also involved in.

“We have been supporting the Cancer Run over the years because as the MTN Foundation, we are passionate about the area of health. We believe that good health is critical to the development of the country,”Mbasa said.
Mbasa also noted that in the past, MTN Uganda has supported the Uganda cancer institute under its corporate social responsibility dubbed ’21 days of yellow care’.

Rotarian Juliet Kyokunda, the Chair of this year’s Cancer Run lauded MTN for supporting the initiative over the years.
“MTN Uganda has supported the cancer run over the years because just like Rotary, the MTN Foundation is involved in humanitarian work which entails health. Working with them is seamless and I have high hopes that our partnership will get stronger,” Kyokunda said.

Now in its eighth year, the Cancer Run, is an annual event which aims at mobilizing funds for setting up cancer treatment and management infrastructure around the country.

From the previous cancer runs, a 36 bed capacity cancer center and a blood bank have been constructed in Nsambya and Mengo hospitals respectively. Both facilities are fully functional and running.

This year’s mission remains collecting funds for the construction of two bunkers to accommodate two linear accelerator machines that are used for the treatment of Cancer. The two bunkers have been estimated to cost 18 billion shillings (USD 4.5m). So far, 1.8 billion shillings has been collected and is available in the bank.

“I invite everyone to contribute to this noble cause and those who can, should join us and run for their health this Sunday,” Kyokunda said.

Today, fundraising through sporting activities such as walking, running, cycling and swimming are becoming popular.
Every year, MTN Uganda holds a marathon to raise funds for many social issues ranging from education and health to water and sanitation. Just like the previous years, this year’s marathon which is slated for November will also raise funds that will be committed to addressing social issues and spreading smiles to people everywhere you go.

 

 

About MTN Uganda             About The MTN Group

MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Djibril Ouattara to the position of MTN Ivory Coast CEO, effective 1 November 2019. The appointment follows the departure of former CEO, Freddy Tchala in September.

Djibril is a seasoned executive with experience spanning more than 15 years in telecoms. In his most recent role as CEO of MTN Congo Brazzaville, he made significant strides in delivering on the company’s BRIGHT strategy.

He has implemented a successful turnaround including a network transformation which won MTN Congo Brazzaville the award for ‘best network’ in the country for two consecutive years, and an aggressive Supply and Distribution transformation leading to significant value share growth. Additionally, he led the operation’s mobile money development, achieving 53% penetration rate in two years.

Djibril has worked across Africa, the USA and Europe. Prior to joining MTN he held CEO roles at Canal Plus Ivory Coast and Etisalat-Atlantique Telecom Togo. He holds an MBA from MIT-Sloan School of Management (USA), as well as an Engineering Degree from ENSIA-INSET in Ivory Coast.

Effective 1 November, current MTN Congo Brazzaville Chief Technical and Information Officer (CTIO), Ayham Moussa, will undertake the position of acting CEO for MTN Congo Brazzaville until a permanent appointment is finalised.

 

About MTN Uganda                About The MTN Group

MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Djibril Ouattara to the position of MTN Ivory Coast CEO, effective 1 November 2019. The appointment follows the departure of former CEO, Freddy Tchala in September.

Djibril is a seasoned executive with experience spanning more than 15 years in telecoms. In his most recent role as CEO of MTN Congo Brazzaville, he made significant strides in delivering on the company’s BRIGHT strategy.

He has implemented a successful turnaround including a network transformation which won MTN Congo Brazzaville the award for ‘best network’ in the country for two consecutive years, and an aggressive Supply and Distribution transformation leading to significant value share growth. Additionally, he led the operation’s mobile money development, achieving 53% penetration rate in two years.

Djibril has worked across Africa, the USA and Europe. Prior to joining MTN he held CEO roles at Canal Plus Ivory Coast and Etisalat-Atlantique Telecom Togo. He holds an MBA from MIT-Sloan School of Management (USA), as well as an Engineering Degree from ENSIA-INSET in Ivory Coast.

Effective 1 November, current MTN Congo Brazzaville Chief Technical and Information Officer (CTIO), Ayham Moussa, will undertake the position of acting CEO for MTN Congo Brazzaville until a permanent appointment is finalised.

 

About MTN Uganda       About The MTN Group

Friday 18th October 2019- Buvuma Island, Central Uganda

NOTE:

The MTN Uganda Foundation has partnered with Fenix International Uganda to provide power and lighting for selected schools and health centers in Buvuma Island.
Fenix International Uganda is a next-generation energy and technology company whose mission is to improve the quality of life of customers through inclusive energy.

In the partnership worth 380 million, MTN Foundation has provided 550 customized solar kits for schools and health facilities. Fenix International Uganda will install and maintain the kits to ensure the project’s sustainability. Under a similar project in June this year, MTN donated and installed 100 solar kits in Bunambutye resettlement camp in Bulambuli district in Eastern Uganda.

The project dubbed “Light up a Village” is aimed at improving performance of learners in schools by increasing reading time especially in the night, to enhance teacher preparation for lessons, provide considering that Buvuma was ranked among the worst performing districts in Last year’s Primary Leaving examinations.
The district also suffers a poor learner retention capacity due to a host of challenges faced by both learners and teachers.

Speaking at the Handover of the solar kits, Mr. Bryan Mbasa, the Acting Senior Manager, MTN Foundation noted that:
“By providing solar lighting, learners can be able to read for longer as they prepare for their forth-coming exams. Their safety is also guaranteed especially those in boarding schools who are staying in dormitories without light.”
Mr. Mbasa further noted that with the availability of solar power, students can now have access to computers as a way of preparing them for the digital era.t

Niarami seed Secondary school, Namunyolo P/S, Bukaali community P/S, Bulondo P/S, Namakeba P/S, Lukoma P/S, KitikoP/S, Buyuba P/S, Bugaya P/S are the schools that will benefit from the project.

Under health, the project will provide lighting for Migadde and Kifulu Health centers.
This is aimed at supporting maternal health in the region by ensuring that mothers can access round the clock services from these health centers.

“As the MTN Foundation, we are passionate about maternal health and we hope that by lighting up these health centers, mothers can access health services at any time,” Mr. Mbasa said.

Hon. Robert Migadde, the Member of Parliament, Buvuma district thanked MTN for the noble gesture towards the schools and health centers.

“Given that we are a hard to reach area which is off the national power grid, this project is a life-changing one for this area. Our children will now be able to study better and our health facilities can now provide the residents with the much-needed night services,” Hon. Migadde said.

The MTN Foundation has undertaken to support a number of government initiatives.
Early this Month, the MTN Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health unveiled the finance and date schedule to implement maternal health projects to a tune of UGX.1.33 billion.
While UGX. 600 million was raised from the 2018 MTN Kampala Marathon and regional runs, the other is a top up from the MTN Foundation.

The funds are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda namely Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district and Kawempe Women and Children Hospital in Kampala.Early this year, the MTN Foundation refurbished eight Maternity wards in eight health center III facilities across the country during the MTN 20th anniversary celebrations. Arua, Gulu, Lira, Kabarole, Hoima, Kiruhura, Kabale and Mbale are the districts that were reached during this initiative.

In addition to renovating and refurbishing maternity wards, the MTN Foundation also provided them with solar energy, water and sanitation facilities to maternity wards.

 

About MTN Foundation

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a non-profit entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI).

The main objective of the foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities across the country by supporting and implementing sustainable projects in education, health and other national priorities.

For more information, please contact:

The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or  Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

 

About MTN Uganda           About The MTN Group

NOTE:

 

Thursday 3rd October 2019- Mbarara-Western Uganda.

MTN Uganda Foundation has officially handed over blood storage equipment to the Mbarara Regional blood bank under the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS).
This is in a bid to address the issue of blood shortage arising from inadequate blood storage equipment.

The state-of-the-art blood refrigerator was handed over to the Parliamentary Woman Representative for Mbarara Municipality, Hon. Rosette Kajungu Mutambi in a ceremony held today at the Mbarara Regional Blood Bank in Mbarara district.
This follows the telecom company’s pledge in July when it availed UGX. 347 million to procure the equipment that comprises of an automated plasma extractor and 3 blood refrigerators. The automated plasma extractor that will be stationed at the Nakasero Blood Bank will be used for the processing of blood plasma to extract components of red and white blood cells, and platelets for the Nakasero blood bank.

The three refrigerators will be delivered to the regional blood banks based at the regional referral hospitals in Mbarara, Mbale and Arua. Mbarara becomes the first regional blood bank to receive its equipment. Arua and Mbale are set to receive theirs in due course.

While handing over the equipment, Mr. Bryan Mbasa, the Acting Senior Manager, MTN Foundation reiterated MTN Uganda’s commitment to supporting government’s push towards meeting the Global Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 which aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

“We are proud of this partnership with the UBTS and the Ministry of Health in complementing their efforts to make available this scarce resource of blood,” Mr. Mbasa said.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Mbarara District Health Officer noted that the refrigerators will address the issue of blood shortage that has been arising from inadequate storage facilities.
While receiving the equipment, Hon. Kajungu thanked the MTN Foundation for working together with the government for the good of the people of Uganda.

“Thank you MTN Foundation Uganda for this equipment. It will go a long way in addressing the blood shortage issues that arise from lack of adequate storage of donated blood to save lives,” Hon. Kajungu said, “The MTN Foundation has shown its passion for maternal health. By supporting safe blood storage, more mothers will be saved since more blood will be available, thanks to this initiative.”

The MTN Foundation has undertaken to support a number of government health initiatives. Early this Month, the MTN Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health unveiled the finance and date schedule to implement maternal health projects to a tune of UGX.1.33 billion. While UGX. 600 million was raised from the 2018 MTN Kampala Marathon and regional runs, the other is a top up from the MTN Foundation.

The funds are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda namely Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district and Kawempe Women and Children Hospital in Kampala.

Early this year, the MTN Foundation refurbished eight Maternity wards in eight health center III facilities across the country during the MTN 20th anniversary celebrations. Arua, Gulu, Lira, Kabarole, Hoima, Kiruhura, Kabale and Mbale are the districts that were reached during this initiative.

In addition to renovating and refurbishing maternity wards, the MTN Foundation also provided solar energy, water and sanitation facilities to maternity wards at selected health centers to ensure that mothers not only plan for their pregnancies but give life in dignity and comfort.

 

About MTN Foundation

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a non-profit entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI).

The main objective of the foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities across the country by supporting and implementing sustainable projects in education, health and other national priorities.

For more information, please contact:

The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or
Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

 

 

About MTN Uganda              About The MTN Group

Thursday 13th June 2019 – Bulambuli District, Eastern Uganda

Two weeks into its staff-driven Corporate Social Responsibility dubbed ‘21 Days of Y’ello care’ (21DOYC), MTN Uganda has lit up the entire resettlement of landslide survivors set up by the Office of the Prime Minister in Bulambuli district in its ‘Light up a village’ campaign.

Following the landslides in Bududa last year, the Office of the Prime Minister through the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness acquired land to construct 900 houses for purposes of resettling the affected families. As part of our Y’ello Care activities, MTN staff will participate in installing solar lighting in all the 110 existing houses in Bulambuli village.

The MTN staff will also plant trees to better the environment and donate clothing and foodstuffs to the families in the village. In a special arrangement, the youth in Bulambuli resettlement camp will also be reached and empowered with vocational skills.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Gordian Kyomukama, the Chief Technical Officer at MTN Uganda said that;

“As a trusted partner in the development of this nation, it gives us pride to participate further in the humanitarian initiatives fronted by the government. We stand with the survivors of the landslides in Bududa and are here to further improve the quality of their livelihood in this settlement. This is in line with our mission to make the lives of Ugandans better.”

In his keynote speech, the Minister of State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, Hon. Musa Ecweru noted that the lighting provided by MTN will positively impact the lives of the people in the village.

“With this kind of infrastructure in place, I am sure the people in this area will not only live a comfortable life but they will be able to engage in power-driven income generating activities to better their lives,” Hon. Ecweru said.

21DOYC is global award-winning voluntary staff program that sees the MTN Uganda staff stepping out of their offices to make a difference in the lives of the communities within which they work in every year. This is the 13th edition of the annual program.

The three week-long program is an organic and voluntary corporate social responsibility
Platform that entails giving back to the community in various ways but not limited to community clean-ups, health center refurbishments and donations.

This year, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care focuses on one of the most critical issues affecting countries across the globe – Youth Empowerment – under the theme ‘Creating a Brighter Future’.

Uganda is the second youngest population in the world with 78 percent of the population below 30 years, second to Niger’s 83 percent (UNDP, 2016).

In Uganda, 30 percent of the youth who are qualified from tertiary institutions have difficulty transiting into the labour market. The situation is worse for youths that are semi-skilled or unskilled.

Evidence indicates that unemployed youths in Uganda engage in socio-economic ills like gambling (sports betting), drug abuse and also engage in criminal activities. Many times, it is such unemployed youth groups that have destabilized peace around the country engaging in demonstrations (ACODE, 2014).

 

About MTN Uganda          About The MTN Group