MTN Uganda has contributed UGX 42.5 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) Universal Service and Access Fund, aimed at developing telecommunications services in underserved areas. The funding marks a significant increase from last year’s contribution of UGX 36 billion.
At a press briefing held at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, a Kampala city suburb in the Ugandan capital on Friday, the telecom company highlighted its ongoing commitment to driving substantial change and bridging the digital divide in the country, which is a dedication to not just meeting but exceeding its licensing obligations.
“We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world, our contribution is not just an obligation, but is deeply aligned with the core values of our business,” MTN Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge said.
Mulinge asserts that, “connectivity is the cornerstone of our economy, vital for modernizing education, revolutionizing healthcare, and enabling financial inclusion through digital technologies.”
Thembo Nyombi, the UCC Executive Director, highlighted the impact of recent funding on expanding telecommunications services to underserved regions.
“Currently, 85% of government secondary schools have computer labs connected to the internet thanks to this fund,” he stated, “However, while secondary schools are being covered, there is a significant gap in primary schools, where the majority of pupils reach Primary Seven without ever seeing or using a computer.”
Nyombi also disclosed that the communications regulatory agency has utilized the Access Fund to establish 65 masts over the past two years in areas deemed commercially unviable for telecom companies, promoting fair and equal access to digital services.
How Ecobank is Betting on Inclusive, Tech-Powered Learning in UgandaUCC illustrates that there’s critical need for expanded connectivity efforts. In the second quarter of 2023, the country experienced an influx of 600,000 new mobile phone subscriptions, bringing the total to 34.9 million. This substantial growth in mobile services demonstrates a robust national telephone penetration rate of 77 lines per 100 Ugandans.
In addition, the period witnessed a significant 6% increase in active mobile internet users, totaling 12.5 million. This surge is largely driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones, which have become the primary internet access point for most Ugandans.
MTN’s new support to UCC aligns with MTN’s 2025 strategy of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
The telecom company is at the lead of accelerating smartphone adoption through its sales partnerships, following improvements in pricing and value propositions to enhance penetration.
The telecom company has also established over 42 ICT labs in various educational institutions nationwide and continues to engage communities directly through initiatives like the MTN Internet Bus, which provides essential ICT training.
“We are setting new standards for what can be achieved in digital inclusion and are dedicated to ensuring no Ugandan is left behind,” Mulinge remarked.
