MTN Uganda has made headlines with a record-breaking contribution of UGX 50.55 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), its largest annual payout to date. This move, announced at a stakeholder meeting at UCC’s Kampala headquarters, underscores the telecom giant’s push to bridge Uganda’s digital divide and expand connectivity to underserved communities.
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The contribution, a statutory 2% of MTN’s annual gross revenue as a National Telecommunications Operator, fuels UCUSAF’s mission to enhance ICT infrastructure and services, particularly in rural areas. Established in 2001 as the Rural Communications Development Fund, UCUSAF tackles connectivity, affordability, and equitable access challenges. MTN’s 2025 contribution marks a significant jump from UGX 42.5 billion in 2024 and UGX 36 billion in 2023, signaling a commitment that goes beyond mere compliance.
“This is about ensuring everyone benefits from a modern, connected life,” said MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge. “We’re not just investing in infrastructure but also in affordability, access, and digital skills to transform Uganda into a digital economy.”
The UCC praised MTN’s reliability. “Your consistent and timely payments reflect a commitment we deeply appreciate,” said UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo. This financial boost comes at a critical time, as Uganda grapples with a smartphone penetration rate of just 35.6%, according to UCC’s Q4 2024 report—lagging far behind Kenya (72%) and South Africa (over 90%).
To address this, MTN has rolled out initiatives like the M-Kabode Supa smartphone financing program, which helped increase smartphone usage on its network from 39.1% to 44.9% in a year. Beyond devices, the company is tackling digital literacy by setting up 63 ICT labs in schools and deploying the MTN Internet Bus for hands-on training. “Access to infrastructure is vital, but so is knowledge,” Mulinge noted.
MTN’s efforts align with broader national goals to close gaps in affordability and digital inclusion. By partnering with UCC and other stakeholders, the company is positioning itself as a key player in Uganda’s digital transformation, proving that its UGX 50.55 billion contribution is more than a regulatory obligation—it’s a step toward a more connected future.
