MTN Uganda has committed Shs 500 million to support 25 community projects under the fourth phase of its MTN Changemakers Initiative.
The projects will focus on health, education, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. Applications, which are being managed through the MTN Foundation, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, are open until September 30, 2026.
Since the initiative was launched four years ago, MTN Uganda says it has supported 75 community projects across five regions, investing more than Shs 1.5 billion and reaching 274,716 people.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world. But for us, connectivity is about more than access to a network. It is about giving people the opportunity, tools and support they need to solve challenges in their communities and improve lives,” said Augustine Luke, MTN Uganda’s regional business manager for Kampala.
Luke said the initiative was intended to support individuals and organisations already working to address challenges in their communities.
“Through MTN Changemakers, we are backing people who are already taking action in their communities and helping them turn promising ideas into solutions that can create lasting impact,” he said.
The initiative is part of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which seeks to promote shared value, expand access to opportunities and contribute to inclusive growth.
Successful applicants will receive in-kind support worth up to Shs20 million per project rather than direct cash grants. The support may include equipment, technical assistance and materials, as well as support for project implementation and follow-up.
MTN says the model is intended to help community organisations address specific needs while improving the sustainability of their projects beyond the initial intervention.
Among the previous beneficiaries is Kara Girl Initiative, a social enterprise in Kotido district that produces reusable sanitary pads to promote menstrual health and reduce school dropout among girls in the Karamoja sub-region.
Godwin Egwale Abila, the initiative’s co-founder and team leader, said support from MTN had enabled the organisation to move from hand-sewing reusable pads to machine production.
“Our biggest impact as Kara Girl Initiative has been the transition from hand-sewing reusable pads to machine production. This has significantly improved our productivity and increased our capacity to serve more girls,” Abila said.
He said the initiative had initially projected to reach at least 600 girls but had already reached 1,000 beneficiaries.
“This means we are on course to reach more than 2,000 girls per year,” he said.
Abila said machine production had also created employment opportunities in surrounding communities, contributing to improved livelihoods.
KAD Initiative, MTN Foundation’s implementing partner, has urged individuals and organisations with solutions to community challenges to apply.
“We encourage individuals and organisations with solutions to real challenges in their communities to come forward,” said Isaac Kisambira, KAD Initiative’s executive director.
Applicants can apply online or download and complete the application form and submit it at their nearest MTN Service Centre.