For Immediate Release

• MTN Uganda, MTN MoMo, and UHOA signed a strategic MoU to drive digital transformation in Uganda’s hospitality sector through tailored ICT and mobile money solutions.
• The partnership gives MTN access to over 780 hotels under UHOA’s membership, enabling adoption of mobile payments, guest Wi-Fi, enterprise connectivity, and customized business tools.
• Key executives and representatives including Ibrahim Senyonga (MTN Uganda, on behalf of CEO Sylvia Mulinge), Dennis Kakonge (MTN MoMo, on behalf of CEO Richard Yego), and Hon. Susan Muhwezi (UHOA) emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration in boosting innovation, customer experience, and competitiveness
• The partnership kicks off with a sector-wide engagement and MTN’s participation in UHOA Expo 2025 (Aug 1–3 at Hotel Africana), celebrating 25 years of UHOA and showcasing sustainable, tech-driven hospitality solutions.

Friday 1st August 2025 | Kampala, Uganda — MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited and the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA) have today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Hotel Africana, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Uganda’s hospitality sector.

The partnership brings together MTN Uganda’s digital and ICT expertise, MTN MoMo’s financial technology solutions, and UHOA’s wide-reaching hospitality network of over 780 hotels across Uganda. It is designed to drive the adoption of mobile money, e-commerce, enterprise connectivity, guest Wi-Fi, and other digital solutions within Uganda’s growing tourism and hospitality space.

“This collaboration is a strong testament to the power of partnerships in realizing Uganda’s broader digital agenda,” said Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager, MTN Enterprise Business, speaking on behalf of MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge “As part of our Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN is shifting from a telco to a full-scale techco, and partnerships like this are critical to driving growth in priority sectors like hospitality. Through this MoU, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting innovation, customer experience, and economic development through digital inclusion.”

The hospitality sector accounts for nearly 70% of employment in Uganda’s tourism industry. Recognizing this, the tripartite partnership aims to empower UHOA members with tools that enhance efficiency, service delivery, and customer convenience—ranging from digital payments to ICT business solutions tailored for hotels.

According to Susan Muhwezi, Chairperson of UHOA, “This partnership is a pivotal step towards modernizing hotel operations in Uganda. With MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo, we are opening doors to cutting-edge technology, seamless payment systems, and digital infrastructure that our members can leverage to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. It’s a win for our members, the industry, and ultimately for Uganda’s tourism potential.”

MTN MoMo will work closely with hotel owners to roll out mobile money solutions for digital transactions such as bookings, bill payments, and integrations with hotel management systems. On the enterprise side, MTN Uganda’s Enterprise Business Unit (EBU) will offer bespoke solutions including affordable internet connectivity, reliable guest Wi-Fi, Unified communications and  Software as a Service for hospitality business.

“Through this partnership, we are creating new value for hotel owners by enabling secure, seamless, and scalable digital financial services that elevate the guest experience,” noted Dennis Kakonge, General Manager Corporate Services at MTN MoMo, representing the CEO Richard Yego. “Hotels will now be able to cater to both local and international guests using modern payment options, backed by MTN MoMo’s reliability and reach.”

Following this signing, MTN and UHOA will initiate a sector-wide engagement to better understand the operational communication and technology needs of hotel owners. This process will aim at delivering solutions to ensure service enhancement, solution customization, and sector-wide digitization of the hospitality industry.

This Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundation for strengthening both digital infrastructure and reliable connectivity across UHOA member hotels. More importantly, it provides a framework for innovation that will accelerate digital transformation within the hospitality industry.

This partnership will also see MTN and MTN MoMo actively participate in the upcoming UHOA Expo 2025, an annual showcase of innovation in the hospitality industry. Scheduled for August 1st–3rd at Hotel Africana, Kampala, the Expo marks UHOA’s 25th anniversary and aims to spotlight advancements in technology, sustainability, and national tourism development. 

Looking ahead, the collaboration is set to extend beyond hotel premises, with planned engagements involving key stakeholders like the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Tour Operators Association, and other public-private sector bodies.

This partnership reflects MTN’s commitment to fostering meaningful digital transformation and empowering key sectors in line with its vision: “To lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers.”

As MTN evolves into a technology-driven company, it remains committed to delivering a full spectrum of communication services. From robust voice and data connectivity to next-generation ICT solutions, they are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. Whether it’s enabling smart check-ins, powering guest engagement platforms, supporting real-time digital payments, or automating business processes, MTN offers integrated, sector-specific solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the guest experience.

This partnership with UHOA reflects the company’s belief that collaboration is essential to progress. MTN looks forward to working alongside stakeholders in the hospitality sector and beyond to deliver innovative solutions that make a difference. Together, we are unstoppable.