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MTN Uganda participated in the World Autism Awareness Day commemoration today, joining the Autism Society of Uganda and other stakeholders in a solidarity walk in Kampala aimed at raising awareness and advocating for inclusivity.

The event underscored the importance of policy support, access to specialized services, and increased societal awareness to foster a more inclusive environment for children with autism in Uganda.

Speaking during the event, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer and Chief Guest, Sylvia Mulinge, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering social and economic inclusion for individuals with autism.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge joins participants in a walk to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day in Kampala on April 2, 2025.

Mulinge revealed that her journey in understanding autism in Uganda began just two weeks ago when she visited Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality. During this visit, MTN Uganda, through the MTN Changemakers initiative, provided vocational skills equipment including sawing machines, baking, digital devices, and soap-making supplies among others, to empower children with autism and their vulnerable parents. This initiative aligns with the company’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, which prioritizes social and digital inclusion.

“My visit to Teens and Tots was an enlightening experience that emphasized the need for greater investment in autism awareness and support,” she stated.
“Today’s event is therefore not merely about raising awareness—it is a call to action to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to the opportunities necessary to thrive.”

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge signs a board as a commitment in commemoration for World Autism Awareness Day in Kampala on April 2, 2025.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one out of 100 children worldwide suffers from autism. However, in Uganda, the prevalence of autism stands at an estimated 88 people per 10,000, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

The central region has the highest number of autistic individuals in the country, with 106,749 cases, followed by the Eastern region with 101,334 cases. Northern Uganda has the lowest number, with 80,705 people living with the disorder.

Research suggests that autism awareness in the country is increasing; however, significant challenges remain, particularly in human resources, according to a 2020 study titled Knowledge Gaps about Autism Spectrum Disorders and its Clinical Management among Child and Adolescent Health Care Workers in Uganda.

Many families continue to face difficulties in accessing specialized services, while societal misconceptions about autism persist, according to the Autism Society of Uganda.

“As a society, it is imperative that we recognize neurodiversity as an asset rather than a limitation,” said Dorothy Nambi, the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Uganda.
“Achieving this requires a concerted effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and businesses. We must advocate for inclusive policies, foster supportive learning environments, and embrace a mindset that values the unique capabilities of individuals with autism.”

Warm-up at Kati Kati restuarant in Kampala a head of the walk to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day in Kampala on April 2, 2025.

MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility programs prioritize initiatives that advance empowerment and inclusion, as envisioned in its Ambition 2025 Strategy. The company aims to ensure that everyone not only enjoys the benefits of a modern, connected life but also has a meaningful and decent life in today’s world.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, MTN Uganda seeks to ensure that individuals with autism are acknowledged, supported, and provided with opportunities to maximize their potential.

“As we observe World Autism Awareness Day, we urge all stakeholders to translate today’s momentum into sustained action. Advocacy, policy reforms, and community engagement are critical in shaping a more inclusive Uganda. Together, we can cultivate a society in which no one is marginalized—because ‘Together, Our Prosperity is Unstoppable,’” Mulinge added.

At the event, the Autism Society launched a fundraising campaign for a van to cater for the transport needs of the children. MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, is contributing a seed amount of UGX 5 million. The State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi contributed another UGX 3 million towards the course.

Join us in making a difference with a contribution towards the much needed 70 million shillings through MoMo code 179748

World Autism Awareness Day, held annually on April 2, was established following a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on December 18, 2007. The resolution encourages United Nations (UN) Member States to implement measures that promote autism awareness on a global scale.

                                                   

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.