MTN Uganda boosts digital access for learners with visual impairments at St. Francis Primary School for the Blind, Madera Soroti

MTN Uganda, through its MTN Foundation, in partnership with Sense International Uganda, has today officially handed over a fully equipped computer lab to St. Francis Primary School for the Blind in Soroti. The initiative aims to enhance digital inclusion for learners with disabilities.

The new computer lab, part of the Foundation’s Digital Access Project, is designed to provide 122 pupils—53 girls and 69 boys—with the digital literacy skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.

The lab is equipped with 10 computers, including specialized software such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for visually impaired learners, sound amplifiers, scanners, printers, and one year of free internet connectivity.

“This initiative is a game-changer for our pupils,” said Sister Rose Abongi Alyabo, the headteacher of St. Francis Primary School for the Blind. “For a long time, our learners have missed out on digital education due to limited resources. With these new facilities, they now have the opportunity to learn, explore, and develop skills that will open doors to a brighter future.”

While technology is a critical component of modern education, many learners with disabilities in Uganda face challenges due to a lack of infrastructure and digital tools. This new lab aims to bridge that gap, ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students.

Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Akiso Odongo, representing Catholic Bishop of Soroti Diocese, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, commended MTN Uganda for its efforts in digital inclusion.

“This initiative shows what we can achieve when we work together to support our communities. Technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. By equipping schools like St. Francis with ICT tools, MTN is helping build a better future for our children and our country,” he said.

The MTN Foundation’s Digital Access Project is a UGX 1 billion investment aimed at setting up 11 computer labs across Uganda, five of which are inclusive labs designed for learners with visual and hearing impairments.

In addition to St. Francis, inclusive labs will also be established at Iganga Secondary School, Kisoro Demonstration Primary School, Nvara Secondary School in Arua, and Ngetta Girls Primary School in Lira.

“At MTN Uganda, we believe everyone deserves access to the benefits of a modern, connected life,” said Nelson Munyanda, manager of the MTN Foundation. “Technology can break barriers and unlock the full potential of every individual. Through initiatives like the Digital Access Project, we are ensuring that no one is left behind—especially learners with disabilities.”

Edward Otim, Regional Director for Sense International East Africa noted that the new computer lab will significantly enhance digital literacy for learners with deaf blindness, ensuring they have access to the latest technologies in the modern world.

The students at St. Francis shared their excitement about the new learning opportunities. “These computers will help us transcribe our work, reducing the workload of writing in braille and making research easier,” said Francis Wamimbi, a P7 learner.

“The computers will also help us improve our spelling and access educational content. With JAWS software, we can correct mistakes in our notes and exams, making learning more effective,” added Kem Federeta, also a P7 learner.

This initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the country’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

Over the years, MTN Uganda has supported the establishment of 63 ICT labs in schools, vocational centers, and prisons, often in partnership with organizations such as Sense International Uganda, Promoting Equality in African Schools, Enabel, and public resource centers at various district local governments.

MTN also encourages responsible internet use and urges vigilance to protect children online. Report any Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) at Child online protection | MTN.com to help create a safer digital space.

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 206,000 MoMo agents, 316,000 MoMo merchants, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. For the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, MTN Uganda had 21.6 million subscribers, 13.2 million MoMo users, and 9.3 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.