In the extraordinary year of 2023, MTN Uganda reached notable milestones, marked by remarkable
innovation, impactful community initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to social responsibility.
Through strategic partnerships, deliberate technological expansions, and the introduction of
transformative solutions, MTN Uganda not only solidified its position but emerged as a central force
shaping the intricate contours of the nation’s digital landscape. As we welcome 2024, let’s illuminate 13
key highlights that vividly summarize the dynamic journey of MTN Uganda throughout this transformative
year.
MTN Uganda celebrates 25 years of transforming lives
MTN Uganda marked its 25th anniversary this year on October 21, 1998, marking a quarter-century of
commitment to transforming Uganda’s telecommunications landscape and enhancing the lives of its
people. This anniversary saw MTN Uganda reaffirm its dedication to innovation and excellence in the
provision of telecommunication services.
Over the years, MTN Uganda has evolved beyond being a traditional telecom provider, venturing into the
technology space to offer a diverse range of products and services that extend far beyond conventional
telecommunications. The company’s forward-looking approach reflects a commitment to meet the
evolving needs of its customers in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Through its corporate social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation, MTN Uganda has made a significant
impact on communities by investing more than Shs30 billion in over 250 projects.
These initiatives span key areas such as health, education, information and communication technology
(ICT), and youth empowerment, positively impacting the lives of more than 2.5 million individuals.
Currently, MTN Uganda has more than 19 million mobile subscribers, 11.6 million fintech users and 7.5
million data subscribers.
MTN Uganda dividend payout reach Shs 586.7billion
As the curtain descends on 2023, MTN Uganda celebrates a year of financial milestones and
groundbreaking innovations. Having paid out five dividend payments since its listing on the Uganda
Securities Exchange, totaling an impressive shs586.7bn, MTN Uganda underscores its commitment to
creating shared value for over 20,000 shareholders.
in December 2021, MTN Uganda Limited achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Ugandan
company to list a business valued over USD 1 billion. This monumental accomplishment not only
solidified MTN’s financial standing but also initiated a paradigm shift in Uganda’s stock market dynamics.
True to its vision of ensuring widespread access to the benefits of a modern connected life, MTN Uganda
has continued to revolutionize stock trading through a mobile phone platform in collaboration with the
Uganda Securities Exchange.
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MTN Uganda spearheads Uganda-South Africa Summit to foster economic ties
On Sept.05, the Uganda-South Africa Summit kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Speke Resort in
Munyonyo courtesy of MTN Uganda in collaboration with key South African businesses in Uganda and
key local institutions including Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL), ABSA Bank Uganda, Sanlam,
Nile Breweries Limited, Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, DFCU Bank, MultiChoice Uganda and
Woolworths.
The summit meant to support the Uganda government attract foreign direct investment through the
upcoming Uganda-South Africa trade and investment summit. This followed a similar summit held in
South Africa in February this year.
Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, a subsidiary of MTN Group based in
South Africa and the lead sponsor of the summit, said MTN’s decision to support the summit and rally
other key South African businesses and local institutions in Uganda was a response to His Excellence the
President of the republic of Uganda request and its commitment to working with the government to
facilitate the country’s social and economic development.
This came as available statistics from the Bank of Uganda showed that the value of the country’s exports
to the South African nation continues to grow albeit at a slow pace doubling to US$ 21.24 million in the
past 10 years up to 2022.
However, the value of South Africa’s exports to Uganda decreased from US$ 251.6 million to US$ 127.6
million during the same period. According to Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda’s exports to South
Africa include cotton, gold, fish fillets, tobacco, coffee, and fresh flowers.
On the other hand, South Africa’s exports to Uganda include machinery, vehicles, plastics, chemicals,
electronics, parts and accessories, petroleum, live animals, books and newsprint, textiles, footwear,
aircraft, and household goods.
MTN Uganda propels digitalization with 5G Spectrum
In a strategic move to spearhead Uganda’s digitalization agenda, MTN Uganda secured 5G spectrum in
July of this year, a pivotal step towards ushering the nation into an era of advanced connectivity. The
spectrum, awarded under the 700MHz, 2600MHz, and 2300MHz bands, has been seamlessly deployed,
allowing MTN to initiate the rollout of 5G technology across Uganda, beginning with the bustling city of
Kampala.
The commitment to expansive connectivity is further underscored by MTN’s noteworthy achievement of
increasing 4G population coverage to an impressive 83.7%, reflecting a substantial 6.4 percentage point
augmentation. This expansion aligns with MTN’s National Telecom Operator (NTO) License geographical
coverage mandate, ensuring comprehensive high-speed data services across the country.
To leverage the full potential of the acquired spectrum, MTN Uganda has intensified efforts to enhance
smartphone adoption. Through an enhanced device financing proposition and strategic collaborations
with phone manufacturers, alongside new partnerships with local smartphone assemblers to curtail
acquisition costs, MTN has successfully increased smartphone penetration to 36.6%, marking a
substantial 3.9 percentage point surge. This concerted approach has led to a remarkable 27.5% growth in
smartphone users.
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Also, MTN Uganda received the fastest network speed awards for the three quarters of this year by Ookla
attesting to our infrastructure investment efforts.
MTN Uganda transitions to a technology firm
On Sept. 25, MTN Uganda embarked on a transformative journey with the introduction of “Do Business
Better with MTN ICT Solutions,” a pioneering initiative signaling a significant expansion of its services
from telecommunications to comprehensive technology solutions.
This ground-breaking development opened the way for the company and partners to offer more products
and services beyond that of a telco. Some of the products and services includes; cloud computing, MTN
Unified Communications and Collaboration suite and Internet of Things among others.
Ali Monzer, Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) at MTN, emphasized the significance of this
transformative initiative, stating, “We find ourselves at the brink of an even grander transformation –
entering a fresh era where we shift from merely offering telecom services to empowering technology’s
possibilities. We aspire not solely to acquaint you with revolutionary technologies but also to enlighten,
motivate, and enable you to adopt them for your prosperity.”
MTN Uganda’s foray into holistic ICT solutions represents not just a service expansion but a commitment
to catalyzing the technological evolution of businesses.
MTN Uganda rolls out 5G network services
On July 28, MTN Uganda achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering the best
network experience in Uganda with the launch of its next-generation 5G network.
This new infrastructure offers higher peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability, and
enhanced network capacity, ushering in a new era of connectivity for the nation.
This momentous achievement was made possible by the Uganda Communication Commission’s
allocation of the 5G spectrum to MTN in June of this year. This development followed a series of
extensive 5G trials and testing, beginning in 2020 and culminating in April 2023 when MTN Uganda, in
collaboration with partners Huawei and Hima Cement, showcased the first commercial 5G use case in
Kasese, Uganda.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first to launch a 5G network in Uganda, and we firmly believe that this
cutting-edge network service will play a pivotal role in driving ICT solutions for economic growth and
fostering unparalleled digital experiences for all Ugandans,” stated MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge.
MTN has currently deployed 35 5G sites in Kampala, with plans for further expansion nationwide. By
embracing 5G technology, MTN Uganda aims to attract more investments, stimulate innovation, and
position Uganda as a digital hub within the region.
MTN Uganda’s strategic move into 5G represents not just a technological advancement but a
commitment to propelling Uganda into the forefront of the digital age. As the country embraces this
transformative connectivity, the potential for economic growth and innovation is boundless.
MTN Uganda makes ‘API as a Service’ available to customers
On April.14, MTN Uganda unveiled MTN ‘API as a Service’, a solution that provides third parties access
to its proprietary software platform. This new service enables businesses to create innovative services
that will accelerate digital transformation and innovation in line with MTN’s Ambition 2025.
MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Somdev Sen said during the launch that “the commercialization of
MTN APIs, will provide developers with access to MTN’s software platform, allowing them to create new
innovations and better ways to satisfy customers faster.
He emphasized that the service presents a significant opportunity for businesses to enhance their offering
and add value to their platforms with MTN services.
Ali Monzer, Chief Technology Information Officer at MTN Uganda highlighted that the API as a Service
offers additional security controls to customer management processes. He, for instance, said the MTN
Sim Swap API verification of SIM swaps can be done before a transaction is successfully processed,
reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft, and protecting customers’ finances from theft by unknown
third parties.
The MTN API platform has since gone live with four different APIs, with the promise of more to come. The
MTN Sim Swap API, MTN KYC Lite API, MTN Airtime API, and MTN Subscription API will all add value to
digital platforms by enabling customers to conveniently purchase MTN airtime and bundles to reward their
customers, as part of loyalty programs or promotions.
The company also relaunched the Webphone with Webex solution, a digital solution that allows our
customers in the diaspora to communicate at local rates.
MTN Uganda revolutionizing FMCG supply chains with cashless efficiency
On July 25, MTN Uganda unveiled a mobile-based supply chain platform that allows businesses in the
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) to place orders, generate invoices for deliveries, pay and collect
returns in real-time.
The new platform dubbed FMCG Digital Suite automates the distribution of products and services and
allows payment for delivered goods via MTN Mobile Money, eliminating the use of cash in the supply
chain. The service has been developed by MTN’s Technology Business and fintech arm, MTN MoMo.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, says the new platform is in line with MTN’s
Ambition 2025 Strategy that is focusing on building the largest and most valuable platform business in
Africa, with a focus on driving digital transformation across various industries.
“This FMCG Digital Suite represents a significant step in our mission to empower businesses, enhance
operational efficiency, and enable cashless payments within the FMCG ecosystem,” she said.
“We are privileged to collaborate with Uganda Breweries Limited, to pilot the FMCG Digital suite through
their ecosystem. We encourage more other businesses to enroll on this platform to reap the benefits of a
modern connected world.”
This comes as businesses are embracing digital solutions to improve efficiency, combat supply chain
challenges, and reach wider markets.
21 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign empowers communities
MTN Uganda unveiled its 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme mid this year seeking to provide
entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. The programme that ran from 1st to 21st June
2023, was themed “Empowering Entrepreneurs to Unlock Growth and Job Creation for Communities.”
The programme highlighted the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and fostering
economic growth across the country.
MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge, said this year’s initiative targeted grassroots entrepreneurs, providing
them with essential digital and financial tools, facilitating wider market access, and offering valuable
business mentoring and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Some of the beneficiaries of this year’s MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care includes; Mulungi Confectionary
and Skilling center based in Mukono, Bumu Disability Development Association based in Luwero, Teso
Textile Light Dynamics in Soroti City, King of Kings Multi-Investment and Consultancy Farms Ltd in
Kitgum, Take a Step Women Art and Craft Organization in Hoima City, Tussakimu Women’s Group based
in Kampala, Refuge and Hope International and Disability Employment Link Project Uganda, located
in Bwaise, Kampala.
Now in its 16th year, the “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign stands as MTN’s flagship employee
volunteerism initiative, designed to engage MTN staff in high-impact social projects within their local
communities. Each year, the campaign focuses on a different theme, reflecting MTN’s multifaceted
approach to social responsibility.
MTN Foundation unveils MTN Skills Academy to empower youth
MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation, unveiled MTN Skills Academy,
an innovative online platform to empower Uganda’s youth and bridge the digital divide.
The MTN Skills Academy, a flagship program of MTN Group, is part of the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs
thematic area and was officially unveiled during the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali, Rwanda last
year.
In partnership with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the National
ICT Innovation Hub, ATC, and Huawei, the MTN Skills Academy is aligned with Uganda’s National
Development Plan III, Digital Vision 2040, the African Union’s ‘Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa,’
and MTN’s Ambition 2025, which aims to create shared value and transform the east African nation into a
modern society.
MTN Uganda CEO, Sylvia Mulinge, emphasized the program’s importance in addressing the critical gap
between digital skills training and job placement.
“As MTN, we are committed to driving digital solutions for Africa’s progress. With the launch of the MTN
Skills Academy in Uganda, we aim to equip the country’s youth, who are at the forefront of digitalization,
with the necessary skills to advance the digitalization agenda and drive the nation’s progress,” she said.
Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Minister of State for Information, Communications and
Technology, commended MTN for its ongoing commitment to innovation and its role in driving Uganda’s
sustainable development through ICT.
MTN unveils MTN Changemakers; injects in Shs500million in 25 projects
MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, launched a social initiative dubbed
MTN Changemakers in July this year aimed to transform lives of communities across Uganda.
The initiative to support local individuals and organizations driven to make a profound impact on their
communities.
MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge, said the telecom company believes in the power of Ugandans to
create change in their communities. “MTN Changemakers initiative is about supporting Ugandans who
are doing great work in their communities to improve people’s lives,” She said.
“Ugandans have shown themselves to be exceptional dreamers and doers. They possess the remarkable
ability to take what they have and transform it into something extraordinary through passion, skill, and
unwavering commitment. They have turned a highly competitive environment into a highly creative one,
inspiring us all.”
The initiative supporting 25 projects focus mainly on the Foundation’s areas of economic empowerment,
education, health, water and environment and agriculture.
MTN Uganda stakes step to boost women entrepreneurs
MTN Uganda in partnership with several companies and organisations including Private Sector
Foundation Uganda (PSFU), ATC Uganda, UN Women, dfcu Bank, NSSF, MasterCard, Innovation
Village and Outbox Hub in October this year unveiled the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
initiative, a three-year programe designed to increase women participation in the top spend supply chain
areas.
The partners committed to grow a supplier base by 2025 that will ensure women tech entrepreneurs
benefit greatly. The programme will create pathways for business representation, strategic positioning,
supplier base and financial inclusion.
MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said championing diversity, equity, and inclusion among organizations
is the magic bullet to increasing women’s participation in information technology.
She said while the country has made commendable progress in increasing female participation in STEM
programs in Uganda, there remains ample room for further advancement.
“A cursory review of our annual procurement expenditure, approximating UGX 854bn, exposes an
unsettling imbalance in favour of males, with female owned businesses at 8% and women in technology
or 0.4%, driven by historical factors and other complex reasons,” she said.
She added: “We must proactively involve women in shaping our society, as their inadequate
representation constraints Uganda’s development, leaving vital intellect and creative potential
underutilized, which is essential for enhancing productivity.”
MTN Foundation empowers 1,400 learners with special needs
MTN Foundation’s Digital Access for Inclusion program has opened the doors of technology to nearly
1,400 learners with disabilities across five schools in Uganda this year, marking a significant investment
of Shs800 million. This commitment to a connected and inclusive future underscores MTN Foundation’s
dedication to advancing education through technology.
The impact of the program reverberates across different regions, with Salama School for the Blind and
Masaka School for the Deaf in the central region receiving 10 computers each, along with assorted
equipment and a year of free internet connectivity. Similar support extended to the eastern region’s Ngora
School for the Deaf, the northern region’s Gulu High School, and the western region’s Hornby High
School in Kabale.
Brian Mbasa, Senior Manager at MTN Foundation, emphasized the program’s seamless alignment with
MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 Strategy. This strategy ensures that the benefits of a modern connected
life are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic background or ability. He highlighted
MTN Uganda’s commitment to equipping learners with digital skills crucial for navigating the evolving job
market, emphasizing that the digital skilling initiative will persist amid the ongoing 4th industrial revolution.
This initiative comes as World Bank statistics indicates that 16% of Ugandan children have a disability,
suggesting that most children with disabilities are not able to attend school and that learners with special
needs fail to transition from one educational level to another.
The Digital Access for Inclusion initiative is part of MTN Uganda Foundation’s broader efforts to enhance
information and communication technologies in schools and communities. Other institutions such as
Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District, Smart Girls Foundation in Wakiso District, and Moroto
Public Library in Moroto District have also benefited from fully equipped computer labs.