MTN Uganda announces Shs42.5billion to UCC’s annual levy

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda has announced a contribution of Shs42.5 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund, aimed at developing telecommunications services in underserved areas. This marks a significant increase from last year’s contribution of Shs 36 billion.

The announcement was made on May 24, highlighting MTN Uganda’s ongoing commitment to driving substantial change and bridging the digital divide in the country. This contribution underscores MTN Uganda’s dedication to not just meeting but exceeding its licensing obligations.

“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world. Therefore, our contribution to the Universal Service and Access Fund is not just an obligation but is deeply aligned with the core values of our business,” said MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge.

“Connectivity is the cornerstone of our economy, vital for modernizing education, revolutionizing healthcare, and enabling financial inclusion through digital technologies.”

Mulinge emphasized that the new support to UCC aligns with MTN’s 2025 strategy of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

This development comes as recent statistics from the UCC illustrate the critical need for expanded connectivity efforts. In the second quarter of 2023, the country experienced an influx of 600,000 new mobile phone subscriptions, bringing the total to 34.9 million. This substantial growth in mobile services demonstrates a robust national telephone penetration rate of 77 lines per 100 Ugandans.

Thembo Nyombi, executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission, highlighted the impact of recent funding on expanding telecommunications services to underserved regions.

“Currently, 85% of government secondary schools have computer labs connected to the internet thanks to this fund,” he stated. “However, while secondary schools are being covered, there is a significant gap in primary schools, where the majority of pupils reach Primary Seven without ever seeing or using a computer.”

Nyombi also disclosed that the communications regulatory agency has utilized the Universal Service and Access Fund to establish 65 masts in recent years among other things.