MTN Contributes UGX 54.27BN to Support Digital Inclusion

KAMPALA, June 23, 2026 – The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, has applauded MTN Uganda for its continued contribution towards expanding connectivity and advancing digital inclusion across Uganda.

Speaking at a function during which MTN Uganda handed over a cheque worth UShs 54.27 billion to UCC, Nyombi Thembo said that although the contribution is a statutory requirement, the company’s consistent commitment demonstrates a strong sense of corporate citizenship and dedication to Uganda’s national development agenda.

The Executive Director noted that the government, regulators, and industry players have a shared responsibility to ensure that every Ugandan can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Under Uganda’s regulatory framework, licensed operators are required to contribute 2% of their annual gross revenue to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), which is administered by UCC. The Fund supports the expansion of communications services to unserved and underserved areas and promotes equitable access to ICTs across the country.

The latest remittance reflects steady growth in MTN Uganda’s annual contributions to the Fund, rising from UGX 36 billion in 2023 to UGX 42.5 billion in 2024, UGX 50.55 billion in 2025, and now UGX 54.27 billion in 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said the contribution reflects more than compliance with a regulatory requirement. Rather, she noted, it demonstrates MTN Uganda’s broader commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans can meaningfully participate in the digital economy.

These contributions reflect our belief that every Ugandan, regardless of where they live or what they earn, deserves the benefits of a modern connected life because, in today’s world, connection is opportunity,” Mulinge said.

She further observed that while Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to communications services, substantial gaps in digital inclusion remain.

With more than 20 million smartphones connected in a country of over 45 million people, Mulinge said, the country’s digital transformation agenda must now focus on closing the access gap for millions of Ugandans who remain excluded from the digital economy.

To bridge this gap, the MTN CEO advised, the government should consider making smart devices more affordable, particularly for low-income and underserved communities.

“We need to unlock smart phone affordability because that is the gateway through which millions of Ugandans connect to learning, enterprise, financial services and opportunity,” she said, adding that this aligns with the government’s priorities under the recently announced national budget, which emphasises not only coverage but also affordability of internet services.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of UCC, Executive Director Nyombi Thembo commended MTN Uganda for viewing the statutory contribution as a shared investment in Uganda’s future rather than merely a regulatory obligation.

While this contribution represents compliance with a licensing requirement, it is much more than that. It is a tangible demonstration of MTN Uganda’s continued commitment to the growth and sustainability of Uganda’s communications sector,” Nyombi Thembo said.

He explained that whereas half of the contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, the balance retained by UCC supports the universal access fund (UCUSAF), which finances initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide. A portion of the funds also supports the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology (UICT) based at Nakawa.

Nyombi Thembo underscored the critical role UCUSAF plays in extending essential communications services to unserved and underserved areas, particularly communities that may not be commercially viable for private sector investment.

He reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to partnering with MTN and other industry players to advance Uganda’s digital transformation agenda in line with the National Development Plan IV, Vision 2040 and UCC’s recently launched Strategic Plan, whose ambition is to deliver a fully Connected Uganda by 2030.

We will continue to utilise these funds to expand ICT infrastructure in underserved areas, support ICT integration in education and agriculture, promote digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, strengthen research and innovation, enhance digital skills, and distribute smart devices to marginalised communities,” he said. “The future of Uganda’s economy will depend on how effectively we connect people to digital opportunities while ensuring that no one is left behind.”

MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with UCC and other stakeholders to deepen digital inclusion and accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation journey.