MTN Uganda, through its charitable arm, the MTN Foundation, has today made a significant donation of tailoring, baking, and hairdressing equipment, alongside other vital resources valued at Shs 17,150,000, to the Nottingham Trent Skilling Center.
This contribution marks a critical phase in the partnership with the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association, highlighting MTN Uganda’s commitment under its “Ambition 2025” strategy to foster digital innovation for national progress.
The partnership embodies the strategy’s theme, “Together, We’re Unstoppable,” and demonstrates a profound commitment to community empowerment and technological advancement. The donation is part of the MTN Changemakers program, launched in July of the previous year to bolster grassroots projects with a significant impact on their communities.
The Nottingham Trent Skilling Center, supported by this initiative, is an emblem of transformation and empowerment. Operated by the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association, the center provides essential skills training in tailoring, baking, and hairdressing to over 300 individuals, focusing on school dropouts, teenage mothers, youths, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged boys. This aligns seamlessly with MTN’s vision of promoting a diverse and inclusive society.
Zakiyu Kikomeko, the MTN Uganda’s Chief Community Officer for Kajjansi Town Council in Wakiso District, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association is a clear indication of our unwavering commitment to community development and empowerment. Through this initiative, we are not just making a donation; we are investing in a sustainable future where technology and community efforts combine to open up endless opportunities.”
Expressing gratitude for the support, Mariam Nakirijja, the founder of the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association, highlighted the significant impact this support would have on improving community livelihoods.
“We are now going to give our learners six month’s free study because MTN Uganda has also supported us. We invite all residents here to bring learners irrespective of their age to acquire the new skills. They will only pay fees for their Directorate of Industrial Training Examinations,” she said.
Kajjansi Town Council Mayor, Al-Bashir Kayondo, applauded MTN Uganda and partners for supporting the training Center.
The MTN Foundation’s contribution is a strategic move within the broader Ambition 2025 initiative, aimed at enhancing digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Ugandan society. Additionally, the foundation has earmarked Shs 500 million to support 25 Changemakers initiatives across Uganda’s five sub-regions. These projects, focused on sectors such as economic empowerment, education, health, water, and environmental sustainability, are designed to benefit youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.
Over the last decade, the MTN Foundation has directed Shs 30 billion towards more than 250 projects in areas including education, health, youth empowerment, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and humanitarian response. These efforts have significantly impacted Ugandan communities, further establishing MTN Uganda as a key player in driving positive change and development across the nation.
