MTN Uganda officially handed over the upgraded Mpanga Market to the market leadership on Saturday, following the successful completion of a market enhancement project designed to improve the environment in which traders conduct business and customers access essential goods and services.
Mpanga Market is the largest permanent market in Fort Portal City and across Kabarole District. Originally constructed by the Government of Uganda under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP I) with support from the African Development Bank, the market has become a vital commercial hub serving thousands of traders and customers every day. MTN Uganda’s intervention focused on refurbishing and rebranding the facility to enhance the trading environment while introducing technology solutions that improve communication, connectivity, and security.
The handover ceremony formed part of activities held alongside the National Clean-Up Campaign and brought together government leaders, Fort Portal City officials, market leadership, traders, and the MTN Uganda team in a shared commitment to creating cleaner, safer, and more organised public spaces.
As part of the refurbishment, MTN Uganda completed several enhancements including refreshed market branding, the installation of a modern Public Address (PA) systemto strengthen communication within the market, and the showcasing of MTN’s Managed Wi-Fi and smart surveillance solutions. Together, these enhancements are intended to improve safety, strengthen communication, and create a more connected marketplace where businesses can thrive.
MTN Uganda also recognised outstanding merchants for their contribution to driving digital adoption within the market and appreciated traders and customers whose continued partnership has contributed to the success of the initiative. The event also featured customer engagement activities, product demonstrations, and entertainment for the market community.
The Fort Portal Market project is the latest milestone in MTN Uganda’s nationwide programme of supporting public trading spaces, following similar initiatives in Jinja, Hoima, and Mbarara. Through these partnerships, MTN Uganda continues to demonstrate that its commitment goes beyond providing connectivity to investing in the environments where its customers work, trade, and build their livelihoods.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Joseph Bogera, General Manager – Sales & Distribution, MTN Uganda, said the project reflects the company’s belief that empowering customers begins with investing in the communities they serve.
“Markets are where Uganda’s economy comes to life. Every day, thousands of entrepreneurs, traders, and customers rely on places like Mpanga Market to earn a living and serve their communities. At MTN Uganda, we believe that investing in the environments where our customers do business is just as important as investing in the technology that keeps them connected. By improving markets like Mpanga and introducing technology that improves communication, connectivity, and safety, we are creating environments where businesses can grow and communities can prosper. This is our commitment to ensuring that, Together, we are Unstoppable.”
The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who participated in the National Clean-Up Campaign, commended MTN Uganda for supporting the initiative and investing in practical solutions that improve the market environment.
“I want to thank MTN Uganda for the refurbishment of Mpanga Market, particularly the installation of security cameras. These cameras will help us reduce theft and improve security for traders and customers. I also thank MTN Uganda for partnering with us in this important initiative as we continue working together to build cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful communities across Uganda.”
The partnership reflects MTN Uganda’s unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of its customers by investing not only in digital connectivity but also in the physical spaces where commerce takes place. By creating cleaner, more organised, and technology-enabled environments, MTN Uganda is helping traders, customers, and communities unlock greater opportunities. The initiative aligns with MTN Group’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which is focused on advancing Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure to accelerate Africa’s digital future and enable more individuals and communities to benefit from a modern connected life.
As MTN Uganda continues expanding similar initiatives across Uganda, the company remains committed to working alongside local leaders and communities to create cleaner, safer, and better-connected environments where businesses can grow and communities can prosper. By combining technology with meaningful local partnerships, MTN Uganda continues to create shared value that extends beyond connectivity and into the everyday lives of the people it serves. Together, we are Unstoppable.
