To promote digital and financial inclusion, MTN Uganda increased its 4G coverage to 87.9 per cent and its 5G coverage from 0.3 per cent to 15.3 per cent.
This was revealed in the company’s Sustainability Report for 2024, released on Wednesday. The development marks a significant turning point in MTN Uganda’s transformation from a telecom provider to a driving force behind sustainable national development.
The report lists several significant accomplishments in 2024.
MTN MoMo processed Shs158.6 billion in transactions
Shs 158.6 billion in transactions processed through MTN MoMo served 13.8 million subscribers, and Shs 1.5 trillion in loans were given to households and businesses, promoting credit availability and economic engagement.
While data subscribers increased from 8.2 million to 10 million, the fibre network expanded from 12,072 kilometres in 2023 to 17,774 in 2024.
Board Chairman Charles Mbire emphasised during the launch that MTN Uganda’s long-term vision is centred on sustainability.
“This report is more than a set of numbers. It reflects the lives we touch, the communities we uplift, and the future we are helping to build,” Mbire said. “As we grow, we remain committed to doing so responsibly; creating shared value for our stakeholders and Uganda.”
Achievements in environmental stewardship, others
In addition to detailing MTN Uganda’s long-term goals for 2030, the report highlights accomplishments in environmental stewardship, digital and financial inclusion, sustainable societies, and economic value creation.
Regarding environmental stewardship, 538 base station locations deployed renewable energy solutions, which led to a 58.4 per cent decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions—much higher than the year’s goals. This shift benefits cleaner air, healthier communities, and compliance with Uganda’s climate goals.
Enid Edroma, general manager of corporate services, added that the report shows both areas for improvement and progress.
“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from expanding renewable energy to empowering thousands of youth with digital skills,” Edroma said.
“But sustainability is a continuous journey. This report helps us measure progress and hold ourselves accountable as we strive to deepen inclusion, reduce emissions further, and expand opportunities for all Ugandans.”
MTN Uganda’s Shs 4.6 billion investment in community projects
MTN Uganda’s Shs 4.6 billion investment in community projects demonstrated its dedication to creating sustainable societies. This is more than the Shs 4.4 billion invested the year before.
Through the Internet Bus program, the MTN Foundation increased outreach, trained nearly 4,800 youth in digital literacy, and assisted over 16,000 students through 35 ICT Resource Centres.
Women now comprise 38 per cent of senior management roles and 51 per cent of the workforce, indicating an improvement in workforce diversity.
Another significant accomplishment was the creation of economic value. Seventy-two per cent of the Shs 980.2 billion spent on local suppliers was kept in Uganda, and the Shs 73.6 billion spent on women-owned businesses nearly doubled.
MTN Uganda’s purpose-driven business model is reflected in the report, according to CEO Sylvia Mulinge.
“True success is measured not only in financial performance but in the lives we touch, the environment we protect, and the opportunities we create for the next generation,” she said.
“Our growth matters only if it creates meaningful benefits for the communities we serve. That is why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.”
MTN Uganda paid Shs1.27 trillion in taxes
By supporting more than 300,000 indirect jobs across the country and paying Shs 1.27 trillion in taxes, the company turned corporate expansion into real societal advantages.
As the chief guest, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, congratulated MTN Uganda on the achievement.
He commended the company for producing a report that, in his words, “goes beyond numbers, setting a standard of accountability and transparency that the government would like to see across all sectors. It provides a mirror, showing where progress has been made and more effort is still needed.”
Future outlook
Regarding the future, MTN Uganda reiterated its dedication to implementing international reporting standards like IFRS S1 and S2, enhancing environmental, social, and governance standards, and incorporating sustainability metrics into executive performance.
As it advances per Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the company hopes to attain integrated sustainability excellence by 2030.