MTN Uganda’s UGX 36 Billion Contribution to Boost Digital Inclusion and Socio-Economic Development

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | MTN Uganda has taken a significant step to bridge the digital divide and extend communication services to underserved and unserved areas by contributing UGX 36 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund for the year 2023.

This financial injection will play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and accessibility of ICT services to the population, with far-reaching benefits for sectors such as education, agriculture, and health, ultimately fostering economic growth.

As part of regulatory requirements, all licensed telecom operators in Uganda are mandated to allocate a 2% levy on their annual gross revenues to the Universal Service and Access Fund, which is administered by the Uganda Communications Commission.

Originally established in 2003 as the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF), this fund is dedicated to addressing issues related to connectivity, access, affordability, and equity of ICT services.

Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s contribution, stating, “We at MTN Uganda are glad that we are contributing to the Universal Service and Access Fund that will not only help deepen digital services but also boost various sectors of the economy like education, agriculture, and health, among others. We believe that our support towards this Fund will also help us achieve our ambition of ensuring that everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life.”

Mulinge emphasized MTN Uganda’s commitment to developing the ICT sector in collaboration with the government, with the aim of harnessing the power of technology and unlocking the country’s true potential for economic growth.

According to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Q2 2022 market performance report, the number of connected mobile phone devices increased from 35 million in April to 36.1 million in June 2022. Additionally, broadband connections reached 23.7 million subscriptions, and digital financial services saw a total of 40.7 million users during the same period.

Eng. Irene Kaggwa, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, commended MTN Uganda for its contribution, highlighting its significance in achieving digital inclusion as outlined in the Digital Vision 2040. She noted that the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund has supported the government in establishing computer labs in approximately 1,300 secondary schools and distributing around 4,000 mobile phones to vulnerable households.

MTN Uganda has also been actively involved in promoting digital skills, especially among the youth, by providing over 42 ICT labs in various educational institutions, including six in technical institutes like Amelo Technical Institute in Adjuman District, St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre in Hoima District, and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in Moroto District, aligning with the ever-evolving work environment.

This generous contribution from MTN Uganda will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of ICT services, making technology more accessible to all, and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.