1. Home
  2. Stories
  3. Telecommunication
  4. CSI

MTN restores five forests, set to introduce electric vehicles

Peter 5th Jun, 2024 Telecommunication Prisca Baike
MTN restores five forests, set to introduce electric vehicles

Andrew K. Byakutaga, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, plants a tree in Kagombe CFR in Kibaale District, in support of MTN’s countrywide reforestation initiative.


In an ambitious move aimed at pioneering environmental stewardship for a sustainable future, MTN Uganda has registered tremendous success in restoring forest reserves, slashing carbon emissions and is now set to produce wind power and replace part of its fleet with electric vehicles.

Only three years ago, MTN Uganda embarked on an ambitious project to restore 220 hectares of forest cover across the country. This initiative, part of the larger "Uganda is Home" campaign, celebrated the symbiotic relationship between MTN Uganda and the people of Uganda, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the socio-economic well-being of all Ugandans.

MTN Uganda's forest restoration initiative was more than a symbolic gesture of social corporate investment; it was a tangible re-commitment to Uganda's environmental and socio-economic development. Three years later, the initiative aligns with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience” - highlighting the critical importance of reforestation for a sustainable future.

  • Launched at Kyewaga Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe, the project was undertaken in partnership with the National Forestry Authority. The reforestation effort aimed to restore forest cover in five Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) across the country, namely; Barifa CFR in Arua, Kagombe CFR in Kibaale, Jubiya CFR in Masaka, and Ogera Hills CFR in Serere District.

The project symbolized the company's then, 22-year presence in Uganda, with each ten hectares representing one year of MTN’s existence in the country.

In the three years since the project's inception, the impact has been profound. The restored forests have not only enhanced biodiversity but also improved the livelihoods of local communities. Forests play a crucial role in climate regulation, water purification, and soil preservation, contributing to the overall health of the environment and the well-being of the people.

  • However, MTN Uganda’s environmental conservation efforts extend beyond reforestation initiatives. The company has decisively committed to environmental responsibility with its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, already bearing significant results through its "Project Zero" initiative.
MTN restores five forests, set to introduce electric vehiclesFlorence Sempebwa Makada (Left), the MotorCare Uganda Managing Director, hands over the Nissan Ariya, an electric test car, to Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, recently.

This comprehensive initiative focused on decarbonization has led to the company reducing its emissions by more than half in just two years. The company registered a remarkable 59% reduction in emissions in Q1 2023 in comparison to Q1 2021.

This reduction was achieved through strategic deployment of smart energy monitoring tools, which provided invaluable insights and enabled the implementation of key actions to significantly reduce power consumption.

The project also targeted Tower Co sites, achieving a 15% reduction in emissions despite adding over 1,000 sites within two years. This accomplishment was driven by widespread solar deployment, integration of lithium-ion batteries, and a strategic shift in the primary power source.

MTN Uganda is in its initial stages of introducing electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet, aligning with the company's broader strategy to further reduce emissions. Although still in the procurement phase, this move marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation within the company.

  • Looking ahead, MTN Uganda is exploring innovative solutions to harness wind power in targeted locations, despite the geographical constraints of Uganda not being at sea level.
  • Ongoing projects, including wind power production Proof of Concepts (POCs), are progressing, showcasing the company’s commitment to exploring all avenues for sustainable energy.

The company's dedication to sustainability and the ongoing success of ‘Project Zero’ exemplify its leadership in the journey towards a greener future.

Today, as we celebrate the 2024 World Environment Day, the success of MTN Uganda's reforestation project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ecosystem restoration. It exemplifies how corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Similar Posts You May Like 

  • DIAMOND TRUST BANK (DTB) JOIN HANDS WITH MATERCARD TO DEEPEN FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN THE WEST NILE REGION

    DIAMOND TRUST BANK (DTB) JOIN HANDS WITH MATERCARD TO DEEPEN FINANCIAL INCLU..

    Diamond Trust Bank – DTB AND Mastercard have embarked on a drive to increase financial inclusion in the eleven Districts of the West Nile region. These districts include; Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Zombo, Maracha, Nebbi, and Adjumani among others. The drive intends to increase the usage of formal bankin..

  • MTN Uganda unveils ICT lab at Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District

    MTN Uganda unveils ICT lab at Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District..

    Thursday 23 March 2023 - Kabale, Uganda: Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District has benefited from a fully equipped computer lab as part of the MTN Uganda Foundation's efforts to boost information and communication technologies in schools and communities. The facility comes with 10 compu..

  • UKETA Launches Online Courses to Upskill Professionals and Empower Organizations Across East Africa

    UKETA Launches Online Courses to Upskill Professionals and Empower Organizat..

    In the latest demonstration of the potential and growth of online education, Simba Group has launched UKETA, an innovative online course platform designed for professionals. The platform is designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, empowering professionals to acquire new..

  • Inside MTN Uganda's transition to a tech firm

    Inside MTN Uganda's transition to a tech firm..

    MTN Uganda, like most telecom companies around the world, has recorded rapid transformation in its operations, customer experience and development of various products and services aimed at responding to evolving consumer needs...

  • MTN Uganda Named Best in Africa

    MTN Uganda Named Best in Africa..

    MTN Uganda has won a UGX380 million cash prize after being named the overall winner of the Group’s Yellow Care Campaign for 2023. ..

  • MTN machines boost Sironko women

    MTN machines boost Sironko women..

    About nine years ago, Sandra Nakayenze launched Kalaa Mugoosi Women Empowerment, a social enterprise whose main objective was to empower the rural women of Sironko District in eastern Uganda, to add value to their coffee...

  • MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m

    MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m..

    Five years ago, Ms Mariam Nakirijja, a community health worker, visited the Nottingham Trent University, one of the best multi-skilling institutions in England. ..

  • Monzer named new MTN South Sudan boss

    Monzer named new MTN South Sudan boss..

    The MTN Group has appointed Ali Monzer as Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Sudan, the countrys largest telecommunications company, effective April, 2024. ..

  • MTNs voice revenue rebounds amid data surge

    MTNs voice revenue rebounds amid data surge..

    MTN Uganda has posted impressive growth in voice revenue despite a surge in data demand among consumers. The telecom giant revealed that voice revenue experienced double-digit growth of 10%, fueled by increased adoption of attractive bundle offerings and aggressive subscriber growth initiatives, amo..

  • MTN scoops fastest internet award

    MTN scoops fastest internet award..

    Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, has announced MTN Uganda as the Fastest Mobile Network...

  • MTN injects UGX20m into Jinja skills institute

    MTN injects UGX20m into Jinja skills institute..

    In an ambitious effort to boost vocational training standards in Busoga and beyond, the MTN Foundation, MTN Uganda's philanthropic arm has donated state-of-the-art equipment to Heta Vocational Ground in Jinja City...

  • 118 women chosen to be MTN service providers

    118 women chosen to be MTN service providers..

    MTN Uganda has unveiled more than 100 women entrepreneurs who are to provide goods and services to the telecommunications giant, as a new initiative aimed at empowering and uplifting women-led businesses in the country...

  • Vendors get UGX10m for using mobile money

    Vendors get UGX10m for using mobile money..

    As part of its efforts to champion financial inclusion and empower women, MTN Mobile Money, in partnership with Ericsson, has rewarded women vendors at Kalerwe Market in Kampala, for encouraging their customers to use mobile money for their grocery purchases...

  • Airtel Uganda boosts UCC fund with UGX34.8 billion

    Airtel Uganda boosts UCC fund with UGX34.8 billion..

    Airtel Uganda has handed over a cheque worth UGX34.8 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission aimed at supporting the establishment of better communication infrastructure and technologies in rural areas across the country...

  • MTN contributes UGX42.5 billion to UCC Fund

    MTN contributes UGX42.5 billion to UCC Fund ..

    MTN Uganda has handed over a contribution of UGX42.5 billion in a major boost to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund. The amount indicates a significant increase from last year's UGX36 billion...

  • Uganda Cranes fans to receive millions from MTN

    Uganda Cranes fans to receive millions from MTN..

    In a bid to re-ignite passion for the national football team, the Uganda Cranes, MTN Uganda has launched a new campaign to identify and reward the country’s top cheerleaders ahead of the forth-coming World Cup 2026 qualifiers. ..

  • MTN offers 1.5 billion additional shares to Ugandans

    MTN offers 1.5 billion additional shares to Ugandans..

    MTN Uganda has received the green light from the capital markets regulators to sell more than 1.5 billion ordinary shares to the public...

  • MTN offers girls’ skilling initiative UGX270 million boost

    MTN offers girls’ skilling initiative UGX270 million boost ..

    Smart Girls Foundation, a Kasangati-based girls’ skilling initiative, is set to receive an additional UGX271 million from MTN Uganda as part of the MTN Girls in Tech program, which aims at equipping more than 500 girls with digital skills...

  • MTN launches UGX4.5 bn project for youth

    MTN launches UGX4.5 bn project for youth..

    In January last year, Brian Tweheyo conceived the idea of a digital solution that would make renting easier for both tenants and landlords in the residential and commercial rental space...

  • MTN pays UGX40bn NSSF dividends as Fund surpasses targets

    MTN pays UGX40bn NSSF dividends as Fund surpasses targets ..

    The National Social Security (NSSF) says it ended the financial year 2023/2024 on a good note having surpassed the targets. ..

  • Huawei to set up Digital Village Prototype in Butaleja

    Huawei to set up Digital Village Prototype in Butaleja..

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held a meeting with a delegation from Huawei Technologies, at which the company announced plans to establish the country’s first Digital Village Prototype...

  • ‘Uncle Money’ wins MTN’s cheer-leader money

    ‘Uncle Money’ wins MTN’s cheer-leader money..

    Team Uncle Money has been declared winners of MTN’s official Uganda Cranes Cheerleaders competition dubbed ‘Tulage faaya.’..

  • MTN gives Nawansega hospital UGX58m injection

    MTN gives Nawansega hospital UGX58m injection..

    MTN Uganda, through its philanthropic arm, MTN Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare access in Uganda with a significant donation valued at more than UGX58 million to Nawansega Health Centre III in Luuka District, in Eastern Uganda...

Most Recent

Popular Links