Vocational education in the Albertine region has received a major boost following the handover of a fully furnished ICT laboratory to Millennium Business School today. The facility jointly established by MTN Uganda and Enabel is aimed at facilitating ICT-enhanced learning.
Enabel Resident Representative Tom Vanneste says that given the importance of ICT skills in today’s world of work, the laboratory will play a key role in preparing young people for employment.
“ICT in education has been reduced to learning basic ICT skills, including word processing and working with spreadsheets. To bring vocational education into the 21st century, ICT will need to find its way into the workshops e.g. by utilizing car diagnostics apps for motor vehicle maintenance in the practical instruction workshops,” Vanneste says.
He however reveals that many vocational training institutes lack adequate computers, trained ICT staff, and ICT content and programmes.
To address the challenge, MTN Uganda provided computers and servers. It also supported the production of audio-visual learning teaching and learning content. MTN will additionally provide Millennium Business School internet for at least one year.
“The internet is full of relevant online Open Educational Resources that could help to boost technical and vocational training and keep learning up to date with the latest technology,” Vanneste says.
This is the second phase of the partnership between MTN and Enabel. In the initial phase, the Belgian development agency worked with the telecommunications provider to establish similar ICT laboratories at Amelo Technical Institute (Adjumani), St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre (Hoima), and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic (Moroto).
This second phase targets another set of three institutions including Millennium Business School. Other beneficiary institutions include; Uganda Technical College Kyema and Kasese Youth Polytechnic.
“MTN Uganda is intently committed to delivering the benefits of a modern connected world to everyone. We believe in creating leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and accelerating the achievement of this vision through strategic partnerships such as the one with Enabel ” said the Senior Manager MTN Uganda Foundation, Bryan Mbasa.
Enabel through the Support to Skilling Uganda project is upgrading the institutions receiving the ICT support to Centres of Vocational Excellence through various initiatives including integration of ICT in teaching and learning, infrastructure development, private sector-led vocational training, etc.
Focus for Life Development Link (FLDL), a community-based organization located in Bwaise-
Bukasa Zone, Kawempe Division, has acquired a new technological advanced method of briquette production called the honeycomb all thanks to the MTN Uganda staff support.
Founded in 2019, the group has been working to protect the environment whilst also generating income to support their families. Initially, it started with10 members who have since increased to 25 members dealing in briquette-making. A Briquette is a compressed block of coal dust or other combustible biomass material used to make a fire.
In the case of FLDL, they are making biomass briquette as they have access to plenty of waste material. This idea was born out of the nature of the Bwaise area which is a slum neighborhood with a high population that has a waste challenge due to over population. What was meant to be only a disadvantage has prompted the youth in the area to think out of the box and turn the waste material into their gold.
The group also is engaged in the provision of health-related services such as HIV/AID sensitization and end to creating awareness around gender-based violence in the communities and how is can be stopped.
Inspite of all these ingenious ideas and forward-thinking initiatives, the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic left a huge gap in the plans of FLDL. The pandemic triggered the government to impose numerous restrictions including a total lockdown to control the spread of the killer disease, leaving such innovative businesses at a stand still with reduced production rates and low demand for their product.
However, in the wake of the lockdown lift, the group has since returned to business as usual doing their best to make up for lost time. This resilience was one of the qualities that captured MTN Uganda’s interest in supporting FLDL.
MTN Uganda in a bid to champion economic recovery reached out to several groups in the community with the guidance of KCCA to identify impactful businesses and help them get back on their feet. MTN Uganda donated UGX 8 million to FLDL that enabled them to acquire new production equipment such as 2 honeycomb machines, a carbonizer, lighter machines and cleaning materials. They were also furnished with a desk phone, 4 computers and internet access in order to help the group digitalize their business and stayed connected to the world..
The contribution from MTN Uganda has permitted FLDL to double its briquette production capacity in the past two months to 1,000 kilograms of briquette per week. Each kilogram of briquettes is sold at UGX 2,000 for the honeycomb variety and UGX 1,500 per kilogram for the domestic. This boost has aided the group to satisfy the customers and help increase availability of their product on the market.
Daniel Kiwanuka, the group chairperson said the briquettes are produced from sawdust, ash, banana, and potato peelings – an innovation that is now helping nearby communities reduce reliance on charcoal that was previous a negative impact on the environment through forest degradation.
The MTN support has also enabled the organization to diversify its products by including fire lighter materials and brooder stoves to boost their incomes.
“We are now receiving so many invitations from community-based organizations to help carry out youth training concerning commercial briquette making and related products,” he said.
Kiwanuka said the group is also embarking on training more youths and women in briquette making, crafts from plastic waste and skills in information and communication technologies.
He said the group also intends to venture into biogas production to increase the share of the energy mix and reduce over-reliance on wood fuel.
The 2016-2017 Uganda National Household survey indicates that the east African nation heavily relies on forest-produced energy sources including charcoal and wood for cooking, accounting for more than 90 percent. The surge in demand for charcoal has increased pressure on the remaining forests worsening the effects of environmental degradation.
Kiwanuka said that the group intends to spread the message to the rural areas concerning conserving the environment.
Bryan Mbasa, senior manager at MTN Uganda Foundation said they are excited that the campaign has created a positive impact on the communities in which the company operates.
“We consider sustainability as a very key part of our initiatives both a Corporate
Social Responsibility and as a business in general,” he said, adding that they look forward to reaching out to more communities for skilling, work readiness, and innovation culture for start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Other groups that received MTN support during the campaign include; the Tesobar deaf carpentry group in Lira, the Masaka Diocese Youth, Jinja-based Tabulera Kawuma deaf carpentry, the Disabled Association of Fortportal, the Bunusya Abarema Twetungure Association in Mbarara, the Glorious widows of Makindye, Missionaries of the poor in Rubaga and the Nakawa Market Vendors association.
The MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care is an annual MTN staff volunteerism campaign observed by all MTN employees across all its markets to make a difference in the lives of the communities within which they work. The campaign that dates back to 2007 is always executed within the first 21 days of June every year.
MTN Uganda Foundation has launched a newly constructed and furnished maternity ward inclusive of an operating theatre at Kalangala HC IV to mitigate the soaring maternal and child mortality rates.
Kalagala HC IV is one of the five regional hospitals that have been refurbished with fully state of the art functioning maternity wards with the project costing approximately UGX 216 million.
The money is part of the proceeds from the MTN Kampala Marathon partners namely; Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori
MTN Uganda Foundation and the official partners of the MTN Kampala Marathon in conjunction with the Ministry of health and UNFPA have officially today handed over a newly refurbished maternity ward inclusive of a state-of-the-art operating theatre at the Kalangala HC IV in a concerted effort to curb the raising maternal and child mortality rates in the region.
The MTN Kampala marathon that is run every year, for the last sixteen years has supported various causes ranging from providing safe water to water stressed areas in Uganda to providing sanitation facilities in schools among many interventions.
In the last three years however, maternal and child health have headlined the MTN Kampala Marathon with all the proceeds going towards complementing the government of Uganda’s efforts towards maternal health
This project is underpinned by MTN’s commitment to creating shared value and improving the lives of the people living in the communities within which it operates.
In a bid to uphold its commitment of investing in Uganda’s health sector, MTN Uganda aims to achieve the SDG 3 which focuses on health and well-being of people in communities. A total sum of Ugx.216 million was injected in the refurbishing and equipping of the maternity ward and the operating theater.
Kalangala district has a total of 84 islands and a continually changing population. The upgrading of the health center will aid in providing improved services to the numerous people in the region.
The auspicious occasion to hand over the newly refurbished maternity ward and operating theater was graced by district officials, the Ministry of Health and implementing partners such as UNFPA and Reproductive Health Uganda.
In his remarks to officiate the handover ceremony, Mr. Patrick Tusiime the Commercial Head central from MTN Uganda, relayed that this newly refurbished maternity ward and operating theater will give mothers and their children a safe and advanced medical facility where they can receive all round care.
“We believe that with the refurbishments made and the new equipment acquired at this facility will contribute to the periodic antennal visits made by pregnant women and also provide a safe environment for mothers whiling giving birth, this will help curb any anticipated issues in time and offer safe delivery for birth mother and child. Mr. Tusiime
The newly refurbished and equipped maternity ward plus operating theater in the Kalangala HC IV will enable the provision of quality health services that will aid the preservation of maternal-child health and general restoration of lives in the region.
The guest of Honor Mr. Richard Mugahi, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Reproductive and infant Health from Ministry of Health raved about MTN Uganda’s generosity in prioritizing maternal health and working to better communities by providing basic needs like access to better healthcare.
“We applaud MTN Uganda for their continued effort in supporting government initiatives that oversee the reduction of the soaring maternal and child mortality rate. We have seen a slight decline over the last 2 years and it is imperative that we stay the plans put in place to curb it.” He said
Mr. Mugahi retreated that the decline in mortality rates has reduced by 3.21% from last year and as government they commend institutions that have contributed to this decline such as MTN but urges the communities and health centers to remain vigilant in the struggle to end maternal and child mortality.
The operating theater and maternity ward were refurbished and equipped with machines such as the ultra sound, operating theater lights, oxygen concentrators, patient monitor for the theater, sterilizer, baby warmers and more. All these will be crucial in aiding safe delivery of babies and catering to patients during surgical procedures.
One of the biggest beneficiaries is the Kawempe National Referral hospital that garnered support in the amount of UGX 400 million which set up a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit to collectively accommodate newborns.
MTN Uganda in realizing its commitment to support government and community initiatives embarked on implementing a 1.3 billion project called “Improving Maternal and Newborn Health outcomes”. This project has improved and enhanced the functionality of five health facilities which include Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district and finally the newly commissioned facility in Kalangala district.
Kamwokya 1 Village B Women Tailoring group, a village savings groupcomprising of wives of policemen stationed at Kira Road police barracks has realized growth in their collective community business following a boost from the MTN Uganda staff community empowerment initiative.
Launched in 2015, the tailoring group was created as a way for the women to raise their household incomes and complement to their husband’s earnings so as to support their family livelihood. The group currently caters to over 15 households in the community through tailoring and selling different clothing apparel including school uniforms, bags and casual wear.
Despite the zeal of the women to make money, as most businesses, during the country wide lockdown caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, the group faced dire challenges as their main source of business was schools that had been closed for over a year leaving them without a readily available market for their goods. In response, the group decided to diversify their business and expand their product portfolio with the inclusion of new products such as making liquid soap and body oil but none the less, they were not able to meet their financial targets.
As the lockdown eased, the group found that it required to recapitalize the business for growth in recovery of the two-year lock down period when the business was not performing. MTN Uganda through a recommendation from KCCA’s directorate Gender and Community services provided UGX 8 million to the group in June this year under the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to help quicken the recovery.
With this support, the group purchased equipment to boost production in line with the increased demand for school apparel after the lockdown. In a period of just two months, the group has reported increase in production of school sweaters from 42 to 240 per month.
“With the MTN Uganda contribution, our business has really experienced quick and heightened profit turnover. We have been able to buy a new knitting machine, 3 sacks of thread and industrial sewing machines that have now spontaneously increased our production volumes” said Lillian Cheptoyek the group Chairperson. “
With increased production to match their market demand, revenues have improved, attracting more women in the community to join the business venture as a source of income. With growth the group has high hopes for the future.
“As the business grows, we are in the process of opening up a new training section to carter for newly registered members, with the long-term plan of buying land and setting up a permanent structure that will house more policemen’s wives beyond just Kira Road police station.”
Bryan Mbasa, senior manager at MTN Uganda Foundation said they are excited that the campaign has created a positive impact on the communities in which the company operates.
“We consider sustainability a very key part of our initiatives both as Corporate Social Responsibility and as a business in general,” he said, adding that they look forward to reaching out to more communities for skilling, work readiness, and innovation culture for start-up and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Other groups that received MTN support during the campaign include; the Tesobar deaf carpentry group in Lira, the Masaka Diocese Youth, the Jinja-based Tabulera Kawuma deaf carpentry, the disabled association of Fort Portal, the Bunusya Abarema Twetungure association in Mbarara, the glorious widows of Makindye, Focus for Life Development Link in Kawempe, Missionaries of the poor in Rubaga and the Nakawa Market Vendors association.
The MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care is an annual MTN staff volunteerism campaign observed by all MTN employees across all its markets to make a difference in the lives of the communities within which they work. The campaign that dates back to 2007 is always executed within the first 21 days of June every year.
MTN Uganda Foundation has handed over a newly constructed and furnished maternity ward at Ibakwe HC II in Obongi district to combat the soaring maternal and child mortality rates in the region.
The Ugx.400Million project was implemented by MTN Uganda foundation in partnership with Medical Teams International, the Office of the Prime Minister and UNHCR.
This corporate Social Investment in Ibakwe HC II by the MTN Uganda Foundation is part of a Ugx.1 billion pledge made to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) through UNHCR at the Refugee summit in 2017.
Ibakwe health center II in Obongi district is to be upgraded to heath center III as per the Ministry of Health guidelines with the support of the MTN Uganda foundation
MTN Uganda Foundation has today handed over a newly constructed and equipped maternity ward at Ibakwe HC II in Obongi district, in a concerted effort to lower the soaring maternal and child mortality rates in the region. This project is underpinned by MTN’s commitment to creating shared value and improving the lives of the people living in the communities within which it operates.
In line with its commitment to investing in Uganda’s health sector with the aim of achieving SDG 3 which focuses on health and well-being, MTN Uganda Foundation injected a total of Ugx.400Million in the construction and equipping of a full-fledged maternity ward complete with delivery beds, running water, electricity, and sanitary facilities among others.
The maternity ward was commissioned today in an event held at Ibakwe Health Center II in Obongi, presided over by the Obongi District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Matata Buga. Also in attendance was Amina Rukia, the OPM Secretary in charge of Health, MTI’s Country Director, Daryl Crowden and the UNHCR Moyo sub-office head, Sana Khana.
While handing over the newly constructed maternity ward, Phillip Odoi, the MTN Uganda Northern Region Business Manager said that the new maternity ward will ease the issue of overcrowding that the mothers previously faced while seeking antenatal and maternity services at the health center.
“Due to the ever-growing health needs of people living in this settlement, it is important that we support the government’s efforts in extending better health services to them,” said Odoi.
Plans are also underway to upgrade the facility into a health center III as a way of improving health services delivery to the masses in the Palorinya refugee settlement. The Palorinya refugee settlement camp in Obongi District inhabits about 80% of Sudanese refugees who fled their country in hope of a better and safe life in Uganda. The camp is about 10km away from the nearest capable health facility and has had an urgent need for improved health services in the area for a while.
This corporate Social Investment in Ibakwe HC II by the MTN Uganda Foundation is part of a Ugx.1 billion pledge made to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) through UNHCR at the Refugee summit in 2017.
The first part of the pledge saw the MTN Uganda Foundation procure and distribute 10 cold chain refrigerators to 10 refugee health-supporting facilities. These facilities include; Arua-Oduoi HC III, Moyo -Idiwa HC III, Isingiro-Rulongo HC II, Kikuube-Malembaa HC II, Yumbe-Bidibidi HC III, Yumbe- Bangatuti H III, Yumbe-winga HC III, Lamwo-Awich HC III, Kyegegwa-Mukonde HC II, and Kamwenge-Kyempango HC III to safely transport and store medicines and vaccines.
The newly constructed maternity ward at Ibakwe HC II and its eventual upgrade into a HCIII will go a long way in meeting the health service needs of the people in Obongi district and its surrounding areas.
In his keynote speech at the Maternity ward handover ceremony held at Ibakwe Health Center II, Matata Buga, the Obongi district RDC said that the construction of a new maternity ward at Ibakwe HC II is going to highly contribute to the health centers’ upgrading to the level of Health center III as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
” The construction and equipping of the maternity ward at Ibakwe HC II has brought me such joy and confidence in companies like MTN Uganda. This has indeed shown us that the company indeed cares about the communities so much that they are supporting the efforts of the government of Uganda by undertaking projects to make a positive impact in these communities.” Buga said.
MTN Uganda, in a bid to achieve its objectives of creating shared value and doing good together, has over the years accelerated the implementation of partnerships like this one with Medical Teams International and UNHCR that saw the realization and completion of the project.
MTN Uganda has over the years showcased its commitment to improving the communities in which they operate by engaging in socio-economic developments and ensuring that livelihoods are changed for the better.
Over the years, MTN Uganda has been donating all its Marathon proceeds towards improving maternal health services across the country. Some of the past beneficiaries include; Kawempe Hospital, Muyembe HC IV, Karugutu HC IV, Kalangala HCIV and Pakwach HC IV among others.
Key among the interventions MTN is undertaking this year, is the upgrade of Ibakwe health Centre II in Palorinya refugee settlement located in Obongi district and Bwizi health centre III in Western Uganda.
Residents of Koboko district are set to benefit fromKoboko Resource Center in West Nile following the renovation of the structure and installation of ICT equipment by MTN Foundation Uganda today.
MTN Uganda through MTN Foundation has invested UGX85million in the restoration of Koboko Resource center which included refurbishment of the physical structures and set up of a 10-computer lab facilitated with high speed internet connectivity for 1 year.
The initiative by MTN is a reaffirmation of the telecom’s commitment to ensure Ugandans enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life.
Residents of Koboko district and surrounding areas are set to benefit fromKoboko Resource Center in the West Nile region of Uganda following the renovation of the physical structure and installation of ICT equipment by MTN Foundation Uganda today.
Founded in 1999, Koboko Resource Center is the only public library in Koboko District which was created to meet the critical educational needs of the youth in Koboko, Maracha and Yumbe.
According to Peterlee Guma, the manager Koboko Resource Center, the establishment had for years struggled with dilapidated structures and received various concerns from the public about the lack of computers for advanced education research.
“People used to complain about why we lacked computers especially when they wanted to look for information on the internet beyond the hardcopy books we had at the facility. We received numerous demands from students from surrounding Universities for computers and internet services in vain,” he narrated.
Following the distress call from the resource center, MTN Uganda through MTN Foundation has invested UGX85million in restoration of Koboko resource center which includes refurbishment of the physical structures and set up a 10-computer laboratory facilitated with high speed internet connectivity for 1 year.
The computers are connected to a power stabilizer and 2 batteries to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Speaking during the handover of the resource center in Koboko today, Samuel Gitta, the MTN Uganda General Manager Risk and Compliance said that MTN responded to the challenges faced by the resource center with the aim of transforming the lives of the people of West Nile.
“MTN’s decision to enhance the operations of Koboko Resource Center is anchored on our belief that everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life. It has also become apparent that ICT is a critical aspect embedded in our lives today, as the world transitions to digital, accelerated even more by the emergence of covid-19 two years ago. Therefore it is paramount that we all have the ability to employ ICT skills in our day to day lives to ensure we are not left behind,” Gitta noted.
While representing the Resident District Commissioner Koboko District, his deputy Vincent Mugenyi lauded MTN Foundation for supporting government’s mandate of driving digital transformation across the country, urging the residents of Koboko to embrace technology.
“ICT presents a huge potential to improve national productivity through job creation for the youth and facilitating the creation of solutions to challenges in society. Therefore, this move by MTN draws the country closer to realization of our ICT goals as highlighted in the National Development Plan 3 and Uganda’s Vision 2040 which identifies ICT as an opportunity to spur Uganda’s transformation into a modern and prosperous country,” Mukiibi said.
Mukiibi also implored the people of Koboko to treasure and safeguard the resources to ensure sustained impact.
MTN Foundation is the vehicle through which MTN Uganda conducts its corporate social responsibility which over the years has left an impact in several districts spread across the country.
Similar to Koboko Resource Center, MTN Foundation has also carried out interventions in the sub-region including installing computer labs in Amelo Technical institute in Adjumani and Muni National Teachers College in Arua.
In the health sector, the Foundation renovated and equipped maternity wards of Aroi Health Centre III, Oriajin Health Centre III in Arua with a total of 30 hospital beds, mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets, donated blood storage equipment at Arua Regional Blood Bank. The foundation also constructed and furnished a new maternity ward at Ibakwe HCII Obongi district and supported the refurbishment and equipping of the maternity ward of Packwach HCIV.
Last week, on 22nd March, MTN joined the rest of the world in celebration of World Water day under the theme: “Groundwater, making the invisible visible”, a theme aimed at spotlighting the importance of underground water in curbing water scarcity around the world.
Increasingly, different countries around the world are facing water scarcity as a result of climate change, which poses a threat to the future of human and animal life in those countries.
Closer to home, there has been great concern about water shortages resulting from climate change in the East African region. In a 2022 report, Oxfam International warned that as many as 28 million people across East Africa could face severe hunger if lack of rain persists through March.
News reports in Uganda indicate that some areas of the country such as Nakasongola and Gulu are challenged by water scarcity due to prolonged drought in those regions. In some cases, people have resorted to using dirty water from the lake for cooking which is a recipe for water-borne diseases.
On the other hand, research documented by WaterAid and the British Geological Survey in 2022 reveals that there is enough groundwater in Africa for most countries to survive at least five years of drought – and some, more than 50 years.
However, investment into tapping these groundwater sources to provide clean and safe water to communities remains limited. Ground water in Africa is commonly sourced from beneath the land surface for instance through boreholes, springs and wells.
In a statement released recently, Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid in the UK, said: “There are vast reserves of water right under people’s feet, many of which are replenished every year by rainfall and other surface water, but they can’t access it because services are chronically underfunded. Tapping into groundwater would ensure millions of people have access to safe, clean water no matter what the climate crisis throws at them.”
To bridge this gap, there is need for collaboration between both non-profit and profit organisations geared towards increasing access to clean water in the country.
Companies such as MTN are making progress in this initiative. The telecom company over the years has dedicated proceeds from MTN Kampala Marathon towards construction of boreholes in water-scarce areas of Northern Uganda including Amuria and Nakapiripirit.
The boreholes have extended access to clean water to more than 4000 people including refugees in the country.
During the thick of the pandemic in 2020, MTN Uganda partnered with National Water and Sewerage Corporation to provide 23 bulk water points to water stressed areas of Kampala to mitigate the spread of the virus due to of lack of water.
According to Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, the volatile climate conditions today underscore the significance of groundwater in the survival of the human race.
“We cannot afford to ignore the significance of groundwater today because it poses a solution to some of the water scarcity challenges around the world. And as investment into exploration of this water source gains momentum, there is need for collective responsibility in guaranteeing water conservation,” he said.
Explaining MTN’s effort in extending access to clean and safe water across the country, Vanhelleputte also added: “The goal behind MTN’s investment in this initiative is fuelled by our belief that MTNcan only flourish when the communitiesand ecosystems in which it operates are healthy. In addition, as part of our Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN Group commits to further drive efforts to create shared value, with Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) at the core.”
MTN Foundation has today handed over a newly refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Mbulamuti sub-county, Kamuli district.
This initiative underpins MTN’s commitment of improving the livelihoods of the communities in which it operates through its corporate social responsibility.
In order to extend quality maternal health care services to the people of Mbulamuti, sub-county, MTN Foundation has today handed over a newly refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli district.
MTN Foundation, through Joint Medical Stores in 2020 refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Mbulamuti, with the aim of kick-starting operations at the facility which was non-operational for 10 years, due to lack of medical equipment.
The project which cost UGX122million focused on equipping the labour ward with items such as delivery beds, medicine trolleys, baby resuscitators, suction pump, catheter, patient beds in the maternity ward, oxygen cylinder and regulator to mention but a few. The laboratory, post natal ward, store and doctor’s room among others were also equipped with an array of medical equipment.
Speaking during the official handover of the facility held today at Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli, the MTN General Manager for Customer Experience, Dorcas Muhwezi said that the project was driven by the telecom’s vision to improve the livelihood of the communities in which it operates.
“MTN sought to empower the hardworking staff of Mother Kevin health centre III in order to provide safe and quality health care to the people in Kamuli and the surrounding districts. This initiative underpins our commitment to improving the livelihoods of the communities in which we operate through our corporate social responsibility,” Muhwezi said.
Through this project, MTN Foundation also constructed sanitary facilities such as a placenta pit and lavatories for the health centre.
The Executive director Joint Medical Stores Dr. Bildard Baguma, said this project is testament that combined efforts culminate into great achievements.
“The 30,000 patients who are going to benefit from the infrastructural upgrades and state of the art medical equipment that this project has provided are the reason why we are so proud of our partnership with MTN Foundation. We look forward to more projects like these to impact even more people.” he noted.
While making his remarks, the Resident District Commissioner, Kamuli district, Robert Mutemo applauded the MTN Foundation for the impact that it has created in the district.
“I am extremely happy and grateful to the MTN Foundation for the work it has achieved at this facility. I am informed that since the equipment of this facility in 2020, the health centre in 2021 provided services to over 1500 people in the region. This would all not be possible if it was not for MTN Foundation and its commitment towards supporting the government agenda of ensuring that all Ugandans have access to quality social services,” he said.
Further recognizing MTN’s initiatives in the region, Mutemo said MTN has over the years continually demonstrated a fondness for the Busoga sub-region through the numerous donations and CSR activities undertaken to improve the livelihood of the people in Busoga.
In 2020, MTN boosted palliative care services in Busoga sub-region through a cash donation to Rays of Hope Hospital, a non-governmental organization that provides palliative care to improve the quality of life for people with life-threatening illnesses and their families in Busoga region and the neighboring districts.
In the same year, the telecom also signed a 2-year partnership with the Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga Kingdom worth UGX 600 million with focus on the kingdom’s social, cultural, and economic programs in the areas of health, sports, and culture.
“Efforts such as this one by MTN fortify government efforts towards extending quality and affordable health care for all Ugandans,” Mutemo noted.
MTN Foundation, the charity arm of MTN Uganda, has today handed over a newly constructed classroom block and staff quarters to Bigodi Secondary School and Rwengobe Primary School respectively.
By undertaking this initiative, MTN is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Uganda to continually support and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.
MTN Foundation, the charity arm of MTN Uganda, has today handed over a newly constructed classroom block and staff quarters to Bigodi Secondary school and Rwengobe Primary School respectively.
The project was funded by MTN Foundation and implemented through Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), a non-government organisation dedicated to improving access to quality education in Uganda.
MTN Foundation through this project which cost nearly UGX350million, constructed and furnished a 3-classroom block at Bigodi Secondary School to create adequate learning space for the students.
The project also saw Rwengobe Primary School receive newly constructed staff quarters with the capacity to accommodate 6 teaching staff and the Head Master of the institution.
According to Wim Vanhelleputte, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, who was speaking at the official handover of the schools in Kamwenge today, by undertaking this initiative, MTN is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Uganda to continually support and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.
“We believe that this classroom block will alleviate challenges of congestion and limited learning space for the students while also creating an enabling environment for learning. Through this project, MTN also hopes to create positive impact with ripple effects culminating into the social and economic development of the country,” he noted.
Information from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2021 abstract indicates that Kamwenge district has the third highest student to classroom ratio in the Western and South-Western region of Uganda. This implies that the district has the third highest number of students per classroom in the entire region after Sheema and Bundibugyo.
In addition, the abstract indicates that secondary school enrolment has reduced by 6% from 1.4m in 2016 to 1.3m in 2017.
The research spells out the need for increased efforts towards creating an enabling environment in secondary schools to encourage student enrolment.
With about 28 schools in Uganda, supporting over 1500 students to access quality education, PEAS continues to play a key role in improving the education sector in the country.
MTN Foundation has over the years invested heavily in improving infrastructure across schools in Uganda such as constructing classroom blocks and sanitary facilities at Kichwamba PEAS School in Kabarole, Noble PEAS High School and Aspire PEAS School in Ibanda district which has positively impacted thousands of students in the Western region.
While delivering his remarks, the Guest of Honour, the Outgoing Resident District Commissioner, Kamwenge district, Martin Mugabe lauded MTN Uganda for its support to the education sector in the Western region of Uganda noting it will play a critical role in alleviating some of the challenges faced by schools in the country.
“Teacher absenteeism is also another challenge that still persists within the education sector in Uganda. A World Bank report dubbed: the Global Corruption report in 2013 named Uganda as the country with the third highest rate of teacher absenteeism in the world, standing at 27%, yet the global ceiling is 30%. These challenges across schools in the country need to be tamed especially during this period of the pandemic, and I believe this initiative by MTN is one of the key solutions,” he said.
While further appreciating the MTN Foundation for this initiative, Mugabe also urged the administration and management of these schools to guard the new infrastructure with the aim of sustaining the impact for the long term.
MTN Foundation in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation has today embarked on the construction of a skilling facility with the capacity to train 400 girls annually in vocational programs.
The training facility will specialize in vocational and business upskilling, inclusive of courses like electricity installation, house painting, tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, among others.
The launch of the event comes as the world joins together to celebrate the International Women’s day on March 8.
MTN Foundation in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation has today embarked on the construction of a skilling facility with the capacity to train 400 girls annually in vocational programs.
The facility which will be housed at the Smart Girls Foundation offices in Kampala will specialize in vocational and business upskilling, inclusive of courses like electricity installation, house painting, tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, among others.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony held in Kampala today, MTN Uganda General Manager for Customer Experience, Dorcus Muhwezi said the project is envisaged to give birth to 40 new women-led businesses in the country.
“The objective of the project is to widen career prospects and opportunities for women by diversifying and breaking the glass ceiling into careers that were previously regarded as a preserve for men,” Muhwezi said.
The project is expected to cost UGX230million which will facilitate the construction of an auto vehicle servicing station, a newly constructed washing bay and the renovation of 3 classrooms and a main hall with a capacity of 30 students per room. In addition to training the young women, the vehicle servicing station and washing bay are also expected to ensure sustainability of the project through generating income for the Smart Girls Foundation for services rendered by the trainers to the public.
Smart Girls Foundation is a not for profit organisation centred on skilling and empowering the girl child with the vision to transform their lives for a brighter future.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, the Resident District Commissioner Wakiso District who was represented by John Baptist Nsaba, the RDC Representative welcomed the initiative by MTN saying it complements government’s ambitions towards promoting gender equality and empowering the girl child.
“I wish to commend MTN for consistently championing efforts geared towards supporting government’s vision and policies such as the equal opportunities policy and the UN sustainable development goal 5 which focuses on achieving gender equality and women empowerment,” she said urging other private sector players to emulate MTN’s initiatives to propel the country’s economic growth.
The launch of the project comes as the world joins together to commemorate the International Women’s day held on March 8 under the theme: Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”.
In celebration of the International women’s day, the MTN Foundation engaged in various activities with the young girls at Smart Girls Foundation including kitchen gardening and mentorship sessions in career guidance facilitated by members of the MTN Women Group.
The partnership between MTN Foundation and Smart Girls Foundation is one of many interventions undertaken by the former to empower women and girls in Uganda.
In June 2019, during the 21 days of YelloCare, the annual staff volunteerism initiative, MTN supported the Smart girls Foundation with a donation worth UGX30million with the aim of enhancing the girls’ learning experience. As a result, the organisation increased the number of girls trained at the facility from 30 to 64 in a wide range of programs including mechanical, electrical installations and welding.
In the same year, MTN announced UGX50m sponsorship towards the Kyabazinga Girl Child program aimed at supporting and improving the lives of women and youth in the Busoga region.
Similarly, MTN Foundation in 2016 partnered with the Forum for African Women Educationalists Uganda Chapter (FAWEU) to provide full cover University Education scholarships for ten (10) Ugandan girls across the country.