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MTN Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has today made a significant contribution to the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) project in Kabarole District, donating vocational training equipment valued at UGX 15.4 million.

This support is part of MTN’s Changemaker initiative, which is committed to fostering economic empowerment and improving educational outcomes for vulnerable communities.

ESMDCE, founded in 2023, focuses on providing single mothers and underprivileged children with access to skills training and education, two key barriers to economic mobility in Uganda.

The donation will benefit 71 women, equipping them with the tools necessary to launch tailoring businesses, while 135 children will receive school fees and scholastic materials to support their education.

The donation includes a range of vocational training tools: three industrial machines, an overlock machine, a baby lock machine, 10 foot-pedal machines, semi-industrial machines, a cupboard, a flat iron, sewing threads, sewing needles, and a variety of sewing materials.

For the women, these resources will provide the skills needed for self-employment, while the children will be able to continue their schooling—critical steps in breaking the poverty cycle.

Robert Kugonza, founder of ESMDCE, said MTN Uganda’s support will help transform the lives of the vulnerable population.

“This support will equip the beneficiaries with practical skills and educational opportunities that will shape their futures. For many, this is the first step towards financial independence and the chance to change the course of their lives,” he said.

Andrew Tusubira, Regional Commercial Head – West at MTN Uganda, emphasized that the telecom company is committed not only to ensuring everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern, connected life but also to promoting a life of dignity and opportunity for all.

“This partnership reflects our belief that empowerment goes beyond just providing resources; it’s about creating sustainable opportunities that uplift entire communities. Together, our ambition is unstoppable,” he said.

Tusubira said that in this second cohort of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, under the MTN Foundation, MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects countrywide, supporting organizations that are driving change in key sectors such as education, health, and economic development.

In addition to ESMDCE, MTN Uganda has extended support to pediatric cancer care at the Bless A Child Foundation, education programs under the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, and vocational training through the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre, among others.

More initiatives are planned, including support for Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs, the Bushenyi Carpentry Project, and water access projects in Lira and Soroti.

Last year, MTN Uganda, through the MTN Changemakers initiative, invested UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects.

These efforts are part of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy to address social inequalities while contributing to the country’s economic and social development.

MTN Uganda, through its corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has donated vocational training equipment to Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality, Kampala.

The initiative aims to support parents of children with autism and young adults with disabilities by equipping them with skills to build sustainable livelihoods.

The donation, valued at UGX 20 million, includes industrial sewing machines, baking equipment, digital devices, and soap-making supplies. The move is part of MTN Foundation’s Changemakers Initiative, which provides funding and resources to grassroots organizations working in areas such as economic empowerment, education, and healthcare.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to fostering inclusion and economic independence.

“For real progress to happen, we must ensure that everyone has access to opportunities that can improve their lives. This initiative is about empowering families with practical skills that help them generate income and build a sustainable future,” she said.

Mulinge re-echoed that through the MTN Changemakers Initiative, MTN Uganda is supporting 25 projects this year with a UGX 500 million investment—the same scale of support as last year—empowering dreamers to turn their visions into meaningful community transformations.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge address participants during MTN’s donation to Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality on March 18, 2025.

The Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre, established in 2012, provides specialized education, therapy, and vocational training for children with special needs. The new equipment will expand the Centre’s capacity to offer training in tailoring, baking, digital literacy, and artisanal crafts, helping over 500 caregivers and young adults develop skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Sarah Kisitu, the Centre’s Executive Director, welcomed the support.

“This contribution gives families a chance to become more self-reliant. Many of them struggle to make ends meet, and these skills will offer new pathways to economic stability,” she said.

The MTN Foundation Changemakers Initiative, launched two years ago, has already supported multiple projects, including pediatric cancer care at the Bless A Child Foundation, education programs under 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, and vocational training through Hands of Hope Skilling Centre.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge interacts with children with autism at Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality on March 18, 2025.

More initiatives are planned, including support for Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs, the Bushenyi Carpentry Project, and water access projects in Lira and Soroti.

Last year, MTN Uganda, through MTN Foundation, invested UGX 500 million in 25 community projects nationwide, aligning with its Ambition 2025 strategy to promote digital and financial inclusion while driving long-term social impact.

MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, is once again igniting a wave of positive social change with the launch of the second phase of its MTN Changemakers Initiative. This transformative program, designed to uplift and empower communities across Uganda, comes with a significant investment of UGX 500 million. This new phase will support 25 innovative projects across 20 districts, extending into Kampala, Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole, Kigezi, West Nile, Karamoja, and more.

The first phase of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, launched in 2023, already left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of Ugandans. 25 standout projects were selected, each receiving an average of UGX 20 million. These projects focused on key areas such as economic empowerment, education, health, water, and environmental sustainability—creating ripples of hope and change in communities.

One such example is Kiikuuta Village in Kyegegwa District, where MTN Foundation’s support to Souls Rescue Mission enabled the construction of the village’s first borehole, providing clean water to over 1,000 people. Generations of villagers had struggled to access safe water, with families forced to make long, difficult journeys for this basic necessity. Now, the borehole stands as a symbol of progress and community well-being.

In Gulu City, MTN’s collaboration with Safe Water Uganda resulted in the construction of four spring wells, strategically placed to serve over 8,000 residents in areas like Pawel Central Cell and Lawiyadul. The impact on health and sanitation has been profound, as access to clean water has transformed lives.

In Sironko District, the Kalaamugosi Women Empowerment Ltd social enterprise received crucial funding to purchase pulping machines and dryers. This investment is poised to uplift over 1,200 women, empowering them economically and fostering a stronger community network.

Now, with the launch of the second phase, MTN Uganda is inviting more individuals and groups from across the country to be part of this movement for positive change.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge passionately emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering communities: “Our goal is to help communities realize their visions and foster collaboration for sustainable development.”

MTN Uganda is calling on passionate changemakers from all corners of the country to step forward. If you have a project that is making a real difference in your community, now is the time to apply and be part of the MTN Changemakers Initiative. The UGX 500 million investment will continue to focus on critical areas such as economic empowerment, education, health, water, and environmental sustainability. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Applications can be submitted online via the MTN Changemakers portal https://www.mtn.co.ug/changemakers-application/ or in hard copy at any MTN Uganda Service Centre across the country.