The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, has paid glowing tribute to MTN Uganda over the remarkable milestones it has achieved towards ensuring sustainable development in the country. Speaking at the launch of the company’s inaugural Sustainability Report 2024, Kabyanga commended the company for producing a report that goes beyond mere numbers to “setting a standard of accountability and transparency that government would like to see across all sectors.†“It provides a mirror, showing where progress has been made and where more effort is still needed,†he added. The launch of the report marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from a telecommunications provider to a catalyst for sustainable national development. The report details achievements in environmental stewardship, digital and financial inclusion, building sustainable societies, and economic value creation, while also outlining MTN Uganda’s long-term ambition for 2030. Board Chairman Charles Mbire stressed that sustainability lies at the heart of MTN Uganda’s long-term vision. “This report is more than a set of numbers. It is a reflection of 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 for Uganda.†The report highlights several milestones achieved in 2024. On environmental stewardship, renewable energy solutions were deployed across 538 base station sites, resulting in a 58.4% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, far exceeding the year’s targets. This transition contributes to cleaner air, healthier communities, and alignment with Uganda’s climate goals. In digital and financial inclusion, MTN expanded its 4G coverage to 87.9% and grew 5G coverage from 0.3% to 15.3%. The fibre network increased from 12,072 kilometres in 2023 to 17,774 kilometres in 2024, while data subscribers rose from 8.2 million to 10 million. CEO Sylvia Mulinge described the report as a reflection of MTN Uganda’s purpose-driven business model. “True success is measured not only in financial performance, but also 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.†The commitment to building sustainable societies was reflected in the company’s UGX4.6 billion investment in community projects. The MTN Foundation supported over 16,000 learners through 35 ICT Resource Centres, trained nearly 4,800 young people in digital literacy, and expanded outreach through the Internet Bus initiative. Workforce diversity also improved, with women representing 51% of the company’s employees and 38% of its senior management positions. Economic value creation was another key achievement. Local supplier spending increased to UGX980.2 billion, with 72% retained within Uganda, while spending with women-owned businesses nearly doubled to UGX73.6 billion. The company contributed UGX1.27 trillion in taxes and supported over 300,000 indirect jobs nationwide, translating its business growth into tangible societal benefits. General Manager Corporate Services, Enid Edroma, said whereas they are proud of the milestones so far achieved, more still has to be done. “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,†he said. Looking ahead, MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, with the aim of achieving integrated sustainability excellence by 2030, while driving progress in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
