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At a time when most of the world is facing a challenge with attracting and retaining women employees, MTN, Uganda’s largest corporate company has surpassed the 50-50 men to women ratio. Today, MTN’s workforce is made up of an impressive 51% female workforce.

With a target of hitting the 50% mark in 2025 as underpinned by the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, the company deployed a deliberate approach that saw it close 2022 with 49% female employees and in less than a year, the company has surpassed its 2025 goal by 1%.

Besides staying on trend with its men to women work force ratio, MTN Uganda, which is considered one of the best employees in the country by the Federation of Uganda Employers, is keen on increasing women in management. Currently, MTN Uganda has 38% of women in Senior Executive Leadership positions and 36% of women in Leadership positions. Learn how MTN Uganda has turned around the odds of the men to women employment ratio from the video below.

MTN Uganda, a leading telecommunications and digital solutions provider, extends a warm invitation to women entrepreneurs across the nation to participate in the groundbreaking “MTN@25 Advancing Women Entrepreneurs” (AWE), an inspiring collaborative endeavor in partnership with MTN Mobile Money (MOMO), The American Tower Corporation (ATC), UN Women, The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), DFCU Bank, Innovation Village, NSSF Hi Innovators and Outbox. This initiative underscores MTN Uganda’s unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and connected society, echoing our belief in the power of collaboration and the MTN annual theme of “Together, we are Unstoppable.”

The AWE project aspires to usher in a new era of improved business ownership, enriched diversity, and enhanced equality in the supply chain. It seeks to champion women’s participation and commendable contributions to the thriving tech industry.

At the launch, Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer aptly stated, “As part of our commitment to this cause, we are determined to increase the local spend on women entrepreneurs participating in the top spend categories in the telecom industry and build an inclusive market-oriented platform that supports and attracts women entrepreneurs.”

On average, women-owned microenterprises in Uganda generate 30 percent lower profits than their male counterparts (World Bank 2019). Lower levels of innovation, lower use of capital and labor, and sector-based sex segregation are all factors associated with women entrepreneurs’ poorer business outcomes relative to men in Uganda. Moreover, women enterprise owners in Uganda also use 41 percent fewer hours of labor, have 50 percent less capital, and are 37 percent less likely to have introduced a new product over the previous 12 months compared with men.

Sylvia Mulinge, MTN CEO, also stated, “The AWE project aligns with our core values and strategic vision, which is to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or background. The goal of the AWE project is ambitious yet achievable. Our vision is to have 250 women suppliers by 2025, with the aim of onboarding 50 women by the end of this year.  MTN Uganda will be investing $4 million (UGX 15,029,428,000) into this project because we recognize that women entrepreneurs possess immense potential, and by inviting them to join our supply chain, we intend to empower them, promote diversity, and fortify the technology sector in Uganda. This initiative serves as a testament to our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future.”

The AWE project represents a cornerstone of MTN Uganda’s sustainability approach, marked by a resolute focus on gender equality, unwavering support for women in business, and the empowerment of the youth, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities.

MTN Uganda is proud to collaborate with a consortium of strategic partners to drive the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) project. MTN and MTN Mobile Money (MOMO) will oversee the EOI process, ensure women’s participation in RFPs, and offer comprehensive training and financial support. The American Tower Corporation (ATC) will provide business opportunities and assist in candidate selection, while UN Women will raise awareness and strengthen partnerships. The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), DFCU Bank, and Innovation Village will promote entrepreneurship, provide mentorship, and offer financial support. NSSF Hi Innovators will offer brand support and financing. Together, we aim to increase women’s participation in the telecom supply chain, support financial sustenance, and create a more inclusive marketplace, with a goal of onboarding 50 women by the end of the year and 250 women suppliers by 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for MTN AWE Expression of Interest (EOI):

To participate in the AWE initiative, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to meet the following criteria:

  1. Ownership: Your business must exhibit at least 50% ownership by women, either wholly or through a majority shareholding.
  2. Business Type: We wholeheartedly encourage applications from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), youth entrepreneurs aged 23-35, associations owned by women, and businesses/associations owned by women with disabilities.
  3. Annual Revenue: The applying company should demonstrate an annual revenue of a minimum of UGX 60 million.
  4. Registration: Your company must be locally registered and have been in operation for at least one year.
  5. Tax Compliance: Applicants are required to possess a valid tax compliance certificate.
  6. Active Business Operations: Your applying company should boast actively managed and women-led operations.

MTN Uganda enthusiastically welcomes Expressions of Interest (EOI) from women entrepreneurs spanning the following categories:

  1. IT Equipment and Related Services: Companies offering IT hardware, software, and related solutions.
  2. Network Services: Businesses providing network infrastructure, maintenance, and support services.
  3. Digital Services: Companies involved in digital marketing, content creation, and other digital solutions.
  4. Facility Management Services: Enterprises offering facility management and maintenance services.
  5. Commercial Products and Services: Businesses supplying various commercial products and services.

Women entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to visit the following website: https://www.mtn.co.ug/awe/. Once there, please accept the terms and conditions and follow the provided instructions to apply for the program before 31st October 2023.

Adekemi Ndielli, UN Women Uganda’s Deputy Country Representative, said, “Empowering women is our DNA as UN Women Uganda, and our partnership with MTN Uganda is a magic bullet to bridge the gap and contributes to SDG 5, which has targets & indicators for all the other goals. Bringing UN Women into this MTN AWE program means you will have access to these women, as there is a level of trust between them & us.”

Charles M. Mudiwa, Managing Director, DFCU Bank Uganda, stated, “DFCU has embarked on a dedicated journey to support women entrepreneurs since 2007. Our guiding principle has been the recognition that many women exert tremendous effort, yet opportunities for them to secure financing were scarce. Over the years, this commitment has yielded exponential growth. Internally, we express our sincere gratitude to MTN and all our valued partners who have played an instrumental role in making this endeavor possible.”

Alex Rumanyika, Head of Strategy at NSSF, mentioned, “The Fund, through the Hi-Innovator Programme, has joined MTN Uganda for their Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) project aimed at empowering and supporting enterprising women in starting, growing, and sustaining their businesses. This initiative aligns with the Fund’s effort to support early-stage Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) with patient capital, technical assistance, and linkages to markets and affordable financing to make them competitive and investment-ready through Hi-Innovator.”

Arthur Mukembo, Lead FutureLab Studio, said, “At Innovation Village, we foster an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to adopt tech and tech-enabled solutions to enable them to solidify their business value proposition, validate an investable market, and move beyond early adopters to accelerate the growth of their enterprise. We seek ways to double down to leverage technology to create more opportunities for women businesses to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”

Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), commended Sylvia and her team for their visionary initiative. He stated, “This is not just a simple beginning; it’s the inception of a movement, a catalyst for change that is gaining momentum with every passing moment. As we take these first steps, let us all remember that revolutions are built on the passion, resilience, and commitment of individuals who dare to dream and act. Together, we can turn the tides and create a brighter future for all.”

Dorothy Kabgambe Ssemanda, Chief Executive Officer of ATC Uganda, explained, “Currently, more than 90% of our annual high spend on engineering projects is executed by suppliers which are not women-owned or operated. This is a narrative we are here to change, a shift we are dedicated to leading. We have taken a solid step in this direction by ring-fencing a proportion of contracts exclusively for AWE candidates. We acknowledge the high working capital requirements, and we are here to navigate these waters together. To ensure the success and growth of AWE candidates, ATC will offer robust technical training and field assistance, covering a broad spectrum from onboarding to customized training tailored for unique challenges. Our support does not end post-award. We will continue to provide field-based assistance, monitor progress, and award additional work based on improvements and performance.”

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About 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 National Telecommunications Operator (NTO) licence granted by the Uganda Telecommunications Commission (UCC). Among our offerings are network services, digital and financial technology services, interconnect and roaming, sale of mobile devices, and MTN Mobile Money (conducted through subsidiary MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited). MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda. Services are delivered through a network of over 164,000 MoMo agents, 268,0000 MoMo merchants, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. For the period ended 31 March 2023, MTN Uganda had 17.8 million subscribers, 11 million MoMo users, and 6.7 million active data users. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug or follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnug 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, focusing 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 has announced its partnership with Tooro Kingdom for the highly anticipated second edition of the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament. With a commitment of over Shs150 million in sponsorship, MTN is dedicated to fostering healthy living and sports development among the youth in Tooro Kingdom.

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament, organized by Tooro Kingdom, is set to attract audiences as it runs concurrently across the nine counties of the kingdom for two months. This initiative serves as a catalyst for engaging the youth in sports activities and providing them with a platform to channel their energy into healthy pursuits. MTN Uganda believes in the transformative power of sports to uplift communities and empower individuals.

According to official kingdom figures, 15 out of every 100 people in Tooro are affected by HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the urgency of raising awareness about the disease and promoting healthy lifestyles. 

Rt Hon Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi Amooti, highlighted the significance of this tournament in combating this issue. He stated, “Our King HM Oyo Kabamba Iguru has dedicated a lot of his own time and effort to ensure that youths take the reins of leadership in every sphere and area where they are found, but this can only be achieved if they embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

MTN Uganda, as the main sponsor of the tournament, is deeply committed to rallying the subjects of King Oyo towards a healthier way of life. John Paul Okwi, the Head of Sponsorships and Events at MTN, expressed the company’s dedication to this cause. He emphasized, “We call upon all the subjects of King Oyo to embrace sports as we raise our voices and encourage the youth to prioritize their well-being by taking good care of themselves, both physically and mentally.”

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament not only promotes healthy living but also aligns with Tooro Kingdom’s strategic development agenda. Michael Wandera, the Tooro Kingdom Minister for Sports, commended MTN for their consistent partnership and support. Wandera stated, “We appreciate the partnership with MTN, which aims to promote healthy well-being among the youths of Tooro through sports.”

As an organization deeply rooted in corporate social responsibility, MTN Uganda remains committed to empowering communities and fostering positive change. The collaboration with Tooro Kingdom for the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament showcases MTN’s dedication to uplifting the youth and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the spirit of sports.

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About 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 National Telecommunications Operator (NTO) licence granted by the Uganda Telecommunications Commission (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. Services are delivered through a network of over 173,415 Mobile Money agents, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. For the period ended 31 December 2022, MTN Uganda had 17.2 million subscribers, 11 million MoMo users and 6.7 million active data users. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug or follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnug 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 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’s bold decision to list its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange last year has propelled it to the league of Africa’s most valuable companies.

The latest premier annual survey by South Africa’s African Business Magazine on Africa’s Top 250 Companies, ranked MTN Uganda in the 105th position, with a market capitalisation of US$1.124billion and a net income of US$87million.

MTN Uganda’s biggest shareholder, MTN Group soared from the 13th position to the 4th position on this year’s ranking after more than doubling its market capitalisation from US$ 11.1bn in 2021 to US$24.5bn, with a net income of US$930million. 

The telecom company raised cash by listing its operations in Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and other countries, and investing in new networks, infrastructure, and data centres.

African Business magazine has been running its ranking of Africa’s Top 250 Companies for the last 16 years, taking the top listed companies from national and regional stock exchanges across Africa.

The African Business Top 250 Companies charts the rise of innovative, strategic, and resilient African businesses that straddle the continent, make huge profits, and invest billions into Africa-wide strategies to seize future opportunities.

Commenting on the ranking, MTN Uganda’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bugembe, said they are excited that the telecom company emerged as one of the most valuable companies on the continent.

“Our maiden appearance in the ranking is a big achievement for MTN Uganda, moreover in this tough operating environment,” he said. 

Bugembe said the ranking demonstrates that the company has the right strategy, the right leadership, and the right investment direction to facilitate growth.

This comes at a time businesses including telecoms are facing an unprecedented tough operating business environment characterised by high commodity prices including fuel amidst a weakening local currency.

The African Business Top 250 Companies survey focuses on the biggest companies that are listed on an African stock exchange, with the ranking determined by the market capitalisation (total value of the listed shares) on 31 March 2022. The market capitalisation is converted into US dollars on the same date. 

The survey excludes companies that have African heritage and roots but no longer earn at least 50% of their revenues in Africa.

It also excludes companies that earn more than 50% of their revenues from Africa but are not listed on an African stock exchange; real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other real estate investment and finance companies.

Incorporated in 1998, MTN Uganda operates through a network of over 170,000 Mobile Money agents, 200 service stores, and 13, main distributors.  The telecom company has more than 16.3 million subscribers, 9.8 million MoMo users, and 5.7 million active data users.

 

Following the after-effects of two years of covid-19 that saw the economy closing. MTN Group announced to revamp communities by empowering entrepreneurs aiming at driving economic recovery.

MTN Uganda, yesterday, launched its staff-driven Corporate Social Responsibility titled 21 Days of Y’ello Care with the aim of providing communities with digital skills training as well as boosting their economic activities. 

Today, MTN staff reached out to the businesses under Focus for Life Development link in the Kawempe Division of Kampala City as well as the Tesobar Deaf Carpentry workshop in Lira District. 

The Kampala team was led by Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda Sales and Distribution General Manager while the team in Lira was led by Phillip Odoi, The MTN Uganda Northern region Business Manager.

Each of the two entrepreneurship communities received a cheque of Shillings 8,000,000 million to support their businesses. They were also given wheelbarrows, rakes, hoes, spades, brooms, and reflector jackets to be used in keeping a clean environment. This followed a cleaning exercise undertaken by the MTN staff prior to the digital skills training and the relief package handovers.

Kakande Muhamad, the Vice Chairperson of Focus for Life Development Link in Kawempe, applauded MTN for lighting up the community with the generous giving.

The MTN Staff were tipped on how to make charcoal briquettes from the solid waste by members from Focus for life Development.

The Resident City Commissioner of Kawempe division Sulaiman Mulangira, thanked MTN for supporting and engaging in sanitation duties and upskilling the youths in digital services. He also committed to partnering with MTN in its future projects.

Other groups that shall be supported include; the Masaka Diocese Youth, the Jinja based Tabulera Kawuma deaf carpentry, the disabled association of Fortportal, the Bunusya abarema twetungure association in Mbarara, the Glorious widows of Makindye, Missionaries of the poor in Rubaga and the Nakawa Market Vendors association.

According to Bryan Mbasa, the Senior Manager MTN Foundation, 21 days of Y’ello care is an opportunity to give back and be of importance to the community. 

“When I contribute to this program, I am able to impact the communities where we live and this gives me an ability to fulfill my purpose in the country at large. This is a very good initiative,” said Mbassa.

 

Last week, on 22nd March, MTN joined the rest of the world in celebration of World Water day under the theme: “Groundwater, making the invisible visible”, a theme aimed at spotlighting the importance of underground water in curbing water scarcity around the world.

Increasingly, different countries around the world are facing water scarcity as a result of climate change, which poses a threat to the future of human and animal life in those countries.

Closer to home, there has been great concern about water shortages resulting from climate change in the East African region. In a 2022 report, Oxfam International warned that as many as 28 million people across East Africa could face severe hunger if lack of rain persists through March.

News reports in Uganda indicate that some areas of the country such as Nakasongola and Gulu are challenged by water scarcity due to prolonged drought in those regions. In some cases, people have resorted to using dirty water from the lake for cooking which is a recipe for water-borne diseases.

On the other hand, research documented by WaterAid and the British Geological Survey in 2022 reveals that there is enough groundwater in Africa for most countries to survive at least five years of drought – and some, more than 50 years.

However, investment into tapping these groundwater sources to provide clean and safe water to communities remains limited.  Ground water in Africa is commonly sourced from beneath the land surface for instance through boreholes, springs and wells.

In a statement released recently, Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid in the UK, said: “There are vast reserves of water right under people’s feet, many of which are replenished every year by rainfall and other surface water, but they can’t access it because services are chronically underfunded. Tapping into groundwater would ensure millions of people have access to safe, clean water no matter what the climate crisis throws at them.”  

To bridge this gap, there is need for collaboration between both non-profit and profit organisations geared towards increasing access to clean water in the country.

Companies such as MTN are making progress in this initiative. The telecom company over the years has dedicated proceeds from MTN Kampala Marathon towards construction of boreholes in water-scarce areas of Northern Uganda including Amuria and Nakapiripirit.

The boreholes have extended access to clean water to more than 4000 people including refugees in the country.

During the thick of the pandemic in 2020, MTN Uganda partnered with National Water and Sewerage Corporation to provide 23 bulk water points to water stressed areas of Kampala to mitigate the spread of the virus due to of lack of water.

According to Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, the volatile climate conditions today underscore the significance of groundwater in the survival of the human race.

“We cannot afford to ignore the significance of groundwater today because it poses a solution to some of the water scarcity challenges around the world. And as investment into exploration of this water source gains momentum, there is need for collective responsibility in guaranteeing water conservation,” he said.

Explaining MTN’s effort in extending access to clean and safe water across the country, Vanhelleputte also added: “The goal behind MTN’s investment in this initiative is fuelled by our belief that MTN can only flourish when the communities and ecosystems in which it operates are healthy. In addition, as part of our Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Group commits to further drive efforts to create shared value, with Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) at the core.”

 

 

MTN recently announced a partnership with several members of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) which will see the telecom advance network automation using TIP’s Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG).

We had an Interview with Ali Monzer, MTN Uganda chief technical information officer to explain what the new technology means for customers

 

  1. MTN recently announced rollout of a Disaggregated Cell Site Gateway (DCSG) technology, what is that?

To understand DCSG, you ought to know how telephone calls are made. Currently, we have towers across the country which house antennae. These towers emit radio frequencies in the air which are displayed on your phone as 2G, 3G and 4G. So, when making a call from Kampala to Mbarara, your phone will communicate to a tower in Kampala through the antennae which sends the session to a switch center in Kampala where it will be processed and sent to a tower in Mbarara where the phone call receiver is.

We have switches in few centralized positions in the country. The above process of making a call from one area to another is made possible through a transport network. The transport network carries phone calls, data, messages, mobile money, and digital services as well. DCSG is the transport network that moves all telecommunication traffic.

Telecommunication Transport network is very complex and expensive; involving a high capital investment for any telecommunication operator.

DCSG is an innovation in the transport network which will enable MTN run a much bigger automated end to end network at a lesser cost in a more efficient way.

We are the first in Africa to rollout this technology. It’s already in operation in Europe and North America and they are realizing the benefits. In Uganda, it will be rolled out in a phased manner.

  1. Please expound on how it will be rolled out?

We are currently at the design stage of this project, but it is important to note that the deployment of this technology is a journey because MTN has 2500+ sites.  However, we are going to start the roll out in selected sites. We chose this path of deployment in order to clearly ascertain the impact and benefit of the technology especially in improving the service for our customers.

  1. What should customers expect when deployment of this technology comes to life?

An improved service across all aspects including voice, data, SMS and all other digital services.  DCSG is going to optimise the transport network to streamline and improve our customer’s experience while using MTN services. For instance, it will allow us to optimize the latency. Latency refers to the time it takes for a signal to travel to its destination and back. This means that if you are in Karamoja, the new technology should allow you to connect a phone call in a few milliseconds. If it takes 2 seconds to hear the ring, the DCSG technology might reduce the connection time by a certain percentage. The voice quality is also going to be enhanced. Overall, the benefits are incremental.

 

  1. Uganda has many budding developers who are bolstered through the telecom network especially mobile money. Will this technology impact digitization in anyway?

Definitely. It will open us up to digitize more services. It will also us to be more bullish in mobile money to enrich services on the products and platforms. You know digitization boosts productivity and the economy through creating jobs and more business opportunities especially for the youth. This will not only boost MTN but also the entire economy. This technology will allow MTN expose its network assets in very efficient way to allow people to innovate.

  1. Why is MTN deploying this infrastructure?

At MTN, we strive to deliver the best services to our customers. This technology promises to advance the customer experience while also streamlining our operations. This technology will also facilitate MTN to shift from a communication service provider to a digital service provider. MTN digital services such as MTN’s Whatsapp version; Ayoba and mobile money among others require a lot of resources and a very stable and efficient transport network which we hope to achieve with DCSG.

  1. In 2020, MTN launched 5G in Uganda. Will this technology deliver 5G internet speed to Uganda?

We didn’t launch 5G yet, but we did a Proof of Concept (POC) with our partners to test the service but in the long run. This is a key foundation for 5G because it is about fast speed and low latency. The most important aspect of latency is the transport network and with this technology we are going to achieve the lowest latency possible in Africa to transport data. This technology will allow us to run 5G which is predominantly for industrial use for example self-driving vehicles, tele medicine and etc …

 

 

MTN Uganda along with its parent company have been recognised as the most helpful brands during the pandemic.

The parent company came second after the World Health Organisation (WHO) whose core mandate is to support health causes around the world.

The survey conducted by Brand Africa 100 covered over 80% of the African continent in a bid to determine Africa’s Best brands 2021.

From the survey, MTN stood out for the support rendered during these challenging times.

In this unprecedented time chock-full of uncertainty, MTN did not waiver when it took the decision to immerse all its efforts in assisting governments around Africa to combat the coronavirus.

At group level, MTN worked with host nations to support the Africa COVID Communications and Information Platform and launched the #WearItForMe mask campaign. The month-long campaign which drove a powerful message throughout the group’s subsidiaries sought to encourage people to wear their masks.

Through its subsidiaries, MTN also dedicated support through numerous initiatives and stakeholders through Y’ello hope, the MTN crisis response vehicle.

In a nearly half a billion shillings move, MTN Uganda which stood out in the East African region  supported National Water and Sewerage Corporation to promote the handwashing campaign to mitigate the spread of the virus while Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS)was supported to extend aid to impoverished communities.

 

URCS received Shs.297million for surveillance, screening, psychological support in the high risk areas and border points across the country.

Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General URCS congratulated MTN upon the recognition saying the award was well deserved as the telecom’s support was very pivotal during the pandemic.

“MTN was the the first partner to come in and support the Covid-19 response. When the country went into a lock down, many places were closed apart from markets and border points. MTN came in and supported us to implement and enforce SOPs in Kampala Markets. They donated 297,328,000/= towards the Uganda Red Cross to support disease prevention and control,” Kwesiga said

He also added; “MTN also gave up their media airtime in support of a campaign dubbed “Support RedCross” and this mobilised over Shs21m towards food packages for vulnerable families in Kampala.”

 

MTN also provided Shs.220million to NWSC to provide relief to the masses of people living in water stressed parts in and around Kampala.

According to Engineer Mahmood Lutaaya, the general manager Kampala at NWSC, MTN helped NWSC to install 21 water points in places where people did not have water which is an essential during the pandemic.

“These were the informal settlements or slum areas. We put some in Wakiso, Nansana, and Kyaliwajjala among others. We identified places were people didn’t have water. The public water points came with tanks to ensure sustainability,” he said.

 

Sen Somdev, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, received the award on behalf Wim Vanhelleputte, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We would like to thank BrandAfrica for recognizing us and the efforts towards mitigating spread of the virus throughout the pandemic. As MTN, we are of the philosophy that a business is not about accumulating profits rather improving the lives of people we serve. Together with government and other partners, considerable effort has been invested to ensure people do not lose loved ones and livelihoods,” he said adding that MTN is committed to supporting government during this fight against covid-19 while also encouraging adherence to the standards of operations (SoPs).

MTN last year gave unwavering support to Ministry of health, the government mandated body in charge of ensuring public health while mitigating the spread of the virus.

When resources were scanty in the midst of growing need for logistics and movement of members of the COVID-19 Task Force, MTN donated three brand new Nissan Hard Body pick-ups to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Open communication lines

Cognizant of the power of communication in achieving success in social behavioral change, MTN also opened up various communication lines between government and the public in an effort to preach the gospel of washing hands with soap and water.

MTN Uganda allocated media space worth shs316million to the ministry of Health to run the much needed COVID19 communication across different media.

In addition, a fully equipped call center to facilitate receiving and disseminating of educative information on behalf of ministry of health was set up at the MTN Head offices.

Furthermore, the telecom giant zero-rated the Ministry of health website to enable people get timely information without the need for data.

As it had done for ministry of health, MTN zero rated websites belonging to education institutions such as universities and institutions of higher learning such as Makerere University among others to allow students continue learning as well as access quick and constant dissemination of information on medical related concerns.

Reduced mobile money rates

MTN support also stretched out beyond government to the public. During lockdown when movement was limited, exchange of money turned electronic especially through mobile money as people could not move from one place to another freely.

Aware of the pressing economic situation occasioned by the virus, MTN cut mobile money transaction rates to enable people send and receive money at affordable rates.

In the same spirit, the telecom created subsidized internet bundles to allow people continue working from home without feeling the economic pinch.

It is because of such initiatives and more that MTN also scooped the award for the most admired brand from Brand Africa and most valuable and strongest South African brand for the 10th year running from Brand Finance.

 

MTN Uganda and the Tooro kingdom have donated 80 kitted patient beds to various health center III’s in Tooro Kingdom.

The donation is part of MTN’s commitment to support the kingdom in her efforts to uplift the social, economic and cultural life of the people of Tooro.

Whereas the government has over the years made efforts to improve the health sector, there is more that can be done to supplement government efforts especially in health Centre IIIs.

According to the Tooro Kingdom Deputy Minister of health Dr. Richard Mugahi said Tooro kingdom delivers around 90,000 babies a year which stretches the facilities that are available. The contribution from MTN Uganda will help to address the gap in equipment and improve the quality of health services in the kingdom.

MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said that the telecom company recognizes the very important role that health center IIIs play in the communities as they are the closest health centers to the population and that MTN recognizes the need to support these health centers to offer decent health care to the people.

“For most people living in these communities, their first point for specialized health care is these health center IIIs as such it is imperative that they are well equipped to offer decent health care services. Following a needs assessment, MTN Uganda feels that we can make a difference by supplementing some of these health centers through support like this. We are honored to be able to make such a humble contribution,” he said.

The CEO further explained that the telecom company believes in working with cultural institutions like Tooro kingdom because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.

“At MTN, we believe that we are good together. When we work together, we can achieve milestones that nobody can on their own. We also know that government is overwhelmed with several competing priorities and its therefore our duty to come in whenever we can,” he said while handing over the beds at the kings Palace in Fortportal.

In 2020 MTN Uganda signed a partnership with the Tooro kingdom worth seven hundred million shillings (700million) to support the kingdom in various social, economic and cultural programs. The standing partnership will be executed over a two year period and will cover programs in health, education and culture.

“MTN only succeeds if the communities in which we operate succeed. Being a partner in development gives us the opportunity to support the social and economic aspirations of our customers and the Ugandan community in general. We are focused on actively demonstrating what can be achieved if we work together to enable a shared value system,” he said.

Rt. Hon Bernard Tungakwo the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom thanked MTN Uganda for caring and supporting the people of Tooro over the years.

“I am happy to note that MTN has over the years shown its care for the people of Tooro. Our association stretches years back, and this support is further testament to the bond that exists between the people of Tooro and MTN. We are indeed grateful for all the support you have extended to the kingdom and pledge to continue supporting MTN in whatever way we can,” Tungakwo said.

Tooro Kingdom Minister of Health Dr. Tito Beyeza Abwooli appreciated the support of partners who have supported health initiatives in Tooro like health outreaches and equipment .

 

About Y’ello Hope

Acknowledging the role and responsibility to make a meaningful difference and impact in the lives of all, Y’ello Hope is MTN’s highly targeted response initiative harnessing the power of MTN through our brand, resources, capabilities, and technology to brighten lives across Africa and Middle East. Driven with passion and dedication by MTN across our footprint, Y’ello Hope’s purpose is to support in employees, consumers, society, and government during times of societal crisis and need bringing relief, hope, and optimism where needs are greatest.

 

 

MTN Uganda in partnership with NITA-Uganda have today unveiled a new app that will be used for geo-fencing and tracking COVID 19 patients that are under home based care.

The new app named E-pass (Electronic pass) is intended to help the Ministry of Health truck and geo-fence the movement of COVID 19 patients under home based care thus reducing the number of non-critical patients that get admitted in hospitals.

At the height of the pandemic, many people would be rushed to health centers, even those that were not in critical conditions, a situation that overwhelmed health centers and also stretched the limited resources in hospitals.

This situation led the ministry of Health to develop a Home based care policy in which non critical patients would be cared for and monitored from their homes or other locations outside the hospitals.

Speaking at the launch of the app, MTN Uganda General Manager for MTN Business Ibrahim Ssenyonga said the new app will go along away to helping government and the country to better manage resources as non-critical patients can now be monitored remotely from their locations of isolation.

“This new app will alert the ministry of health designated officials, if in case a patient under surveillance goes outside of the planned location boundaries. That way, the ministry can minimize further spread, but also be able to locate some of the contacts in the areas where the patient might have veered off to,” Mr. Ssenyonga said.

Development of the app which lasted about four months cost shs460million with package including 400 smart phone handsets which will have been installed with the app and will be used for monitoring.

At the height of the pandemic in Uganda, many Ugandans would storm health centers either in critical condition or out of fear resulting from normal flu or cold and they would all demand to be admitted.

NITA-Uganda Executive Director said that they are pleased with the solution as it will serve as a game changer in the management of COVID 19 pandemic.

“We are very proud because of the local capacity we have to quickly develop an app of this kind that will change the way we manage the COVID 19 pandemic in the country. This coming at a time when the vaccine is already in the country is a big boost in government efforts to curb and minimize the spread of the pandemic,” the Executive Director said.

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine thanked MTN Uganda and NITA Uganda for this intervention saying that it takes collective effort from every one to be able to defeat this disease.

“It is true that management of patients was quite a night mare for government and the health centers. We were having many people coming to hospitals that didn’t need to be there. And these were taking space for those that needed to be there the most. So this solution is very welcome and it is a win for us as a country in the management of this pandemic,” Atwine said.

Atwine also paid special tribute to MTN who she said have really stood through thick and thin with the ministry not only in the management of the COVID pandemic but in many other health related initiatives over the years.

MTN Uganda was at the forefront of supporting government in the fight against COVID 19, contributing over shs2billion in various interventions through the year 2020.