MTN Uganda Foundation has committed UGX500 million to support 25 community initiatives across the country under the fourth phase of its Changemakers programme.
The beneficiaries were selected from 2,607 applications submitted from Uganda’s five regions. Each initiative will receive in-kind support worth UGX20 million to strengthen its work in areas including education, healthcare, water and sanitation, environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 10, at Beles Bubu Africa, a refugee-led cultural and media organisation in Bunga, Kampala, which is among the 25 beneficiaries.
Founded by Eritrean migrant Kisanet Tedros, Beles Bubu Africa uses digital media and educational content to preserve African languages and cultural heritage while helping refugee communities integrate into society.
The organisation reaches more than 700 refugees annually and has produced over 1,300 educational videos, which have attracted more than 110 million views on YouTube.
Under the latest phase, Beles Bubu Africa received ICT equipment, including projectors, worth UGX20 million to support its educational programmes and extend its reach.
Tedros said the contribution would help the organisation reach more children, preserve African heritage and create opportunities for refugee families.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the Changemakers programme was established to identify and support people and organisations developing practical solutions to challenges in their communities.
She noted that meaningful community transformation often begins with individuals who recognise local problems and take action, adding that the Foundation seeks to help such initiatives grow into sustainable programmes.
Mulinge encouraged the selected organisations to use the support to strengthen their operations, establish partnerships and expand their impact beyond the programme.
The fourth phase brings the total investment under MTN Changemakers to UGX2 billion. In its first three phases, the programme supported 75 community initiatives with UGX1.5 billion, reaching more than 119,000 people.
The latest beneficiaries represent a broad range of community needs and include organisations working with children, young people, women, refugees and vulnerable communities.
Among the selected initiatives are Women and Children with Albinism in Uganda, Tunaweza Children’s Centre, Darraine Cerebral Palsy Organization, Refugee Community Action Network, Rural Women and Youth Empowerment Centre, Wabibi Pads Limited and Atama Innovation Hub.
Other beneficiaries include National Christian Students Association, Hope Speaks – Katanga, Youth Empowerment Trust Uganda, Stichting Kabira, Youth Elevation Initiative, Charvive Development Foundation, Raising Voices Development Group, Asante Africa Foundation, Prince of Peace Orphans and Widows Vision, Sinnatu Children Support Organization, Voice Innovative Development Africa, Te-Kworo Foundation, Zingiti Foundation and Pokot Secondary School.
The list also includes Kld Catholics Online – Luwero Catholic Diocese, Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School and the Rotary Club of Entebbe’s Kavule Primary School Water Project.
Established in July 2007, MTN Uganda Foundation coordinates the company’s social investment initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, economic empowerment and humanitarian support. The Foundation also uses information and communication technology to help communities improve their livelihoods and build sustainable solutions.
Through Changemakers, MTN Uganda continues to channel resources towards locally driven initiatives, recognising the role of community organisations in addressing development challenges and improving lives.
