MTN Uganda donates ICT equipment worth UGX 20 million to 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation

In a bold step towards bridging the digital divide, MTN Uganda has provided ICT equipment worth UGX 20 million to the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation. This donation will boost digital literacy and learning opportunities for underprivileged children, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in today’s digital world.

The contribution includes computers, a screen, a UPS, and a multi-functional printer, all of which will enhance education delivery, foster student engagement, and improve teacher effectiveness. The initiative is set to benefit at least 450 children and 40 teachers, ensuring greater access to modern learning tools.

Speaking at the handover event, Augustine Lule, MTN’s Regional Business Manager for Kampala, underscored MTN Uganda’s dedication to transforming communities through technology and education.

“At MTN Uganda, we are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital revolution,” he said.

“Through the MTN Changemakers initiative, we continue to support organizations that drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. This donation is not just about equipment; it is about unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for Uganda’s youth.”

The MTN Changemakers initiative, launched in 2023 as part of MTN Uganda’s 25-year anniversary celebrations, was established to empower community-led projects focusing on economic empowerment, education, health, water, and environmental conservation. In December 2024, MTN Uganda announced 25 beneficiaries for the second cohort, with a total funding commitment of UGX 500 million.

MTN Uganda has already extended support to several other impactful organizations, including Bless A Child Foundation in Kampala, which supports children with cancer. Other projects set to benefit from this initiative include Teens & Tots Neuro Centre in Kira, Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs, Uganda Prisons Bushenyi Carpentry Project in Kalangala, Protected Springs in Lira, and the Soroti Clean Water Extension Project in Soroti, among others.

The 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, a leading advocate for literacy and education among underprivileged children, expressed its gratitude for MTN Uganda’s support.

Penninah Nabirye, the fundraising and partnerships head, who spoke on behalf of Esther Kalenzi, Founder  and Team Lead at 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, highlighted the significance of the donation.

“This partnership with MTN Uganda is a major boost to our efforts in improving literacy and access to education. With these digital tools, children from disadvantaged backgrounds can now learn, explore, and develop crucial skills needed for the future. We deeply appreciate MTN’s commitment to education and community empowerment.”

The initiative was also lauded by Sharifah Ahimbisibwe, the Local Council III, who emphasized the importance of digital literacy in today’s educational landscape.

“Access to technology has now become normal. This contribution from MTN Uganda will go a long way in equipping our children and teachers with the skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving world. We encourage other organizations to take similar steps in supporting digital learning.”

Last year, during the initial phase of MTN Changemakers initiative, MTN Uganda supported the implementation of 25 projects across the country with a total investment of UGX 500 million.

 

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Its purpose is to bring about meaningful, measurable, and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient. With a focus on innovative technology, we aim to uplift communities towards independence in this bold new digital world. The Foundation invests resources for social redress, thus economic empowerment, education, health, and humanitarian response. The Foundation implements projects that are highly enabled by ICT solutions.

 

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 202,000 MoMo agents, 382,000 MoMo merchants, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. For the full year period ended June 30, 2024, MTN Uganda had 20.7 million subscribers, 12.5 million MoMo users, and 8.8 million active data users.

 

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.