MTN Uganda launched the fourth phase of its MTN Changemakers Initiative, committing Shs500 million to support 25 community projects in areas including health, education, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
Applications for the programme, run through its corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, are open until Sept. 30, 2026.
Since its launch four years ago, the MTN Changemakers Initiative has supported 75 community projects in five regions across Uganda, with the technology company investing more than Shs1.5 billion in the initiative and 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, Regional Business Manager for Kampala at MTN Uganda.
“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.”
The programme is part of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on creating shared value, expanding access to opportunities and contributing to inclusive growth.
Successful applicants receive in-kind support of up to Shs20 million per initiative, rather than direct cash donations. This includes equipment, technical support and materials, as well as assistance with implementation and follow-up.
The model is intended to help community organisations address specific needs while strengthening the sustainability of their projects beyond the initial intervention.
Past beneficiaries, such as Kara Girl Initiative, a social enterprise based in Kotido District that produces reusable sanitary pads to support menstrual health and help reduce school dropouts among girls in the Karamoja sub-region, have used the support to expand their community initiatives and reach more people.
“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,” said Godwin Egwale Abila, co-founder and team leader of Kara Girl Initiative.
“Our projection was to reach at least 600 girls, but we have already reached 1,000 beneficiaries. This means we are on course to reach more than 2,000 girls per year.”
Egwale said the use of machines in making reusable sanitary pads had also created jobs in the surrounding communities, helping to improve livelihoods.
KAD Initiative, MTN Foundation’s implementing partner, has urged individuals and organisations with unique solutions to submit their applications for support.
“We encourage individuals and organisations with solutions to real challenges in their communities to come forward,” said Isaac Kisambira, Executive Director at KAD Initiative.
“Applicants should clearly demonstrate the problem they are addressing, who will benefit, the expected impact and how the project can be sustained.”
Applicants can apply online or download the application form, complete it and submit it at their nearest MTN Service Centre.
