MTN Uganda Foundation has announced 25 beneficiaries of the fourth phase of its Changemakers programme, committing Shs500 million to support community-led initiatives across the country.
The beneficiaries were selected from 2,607 applications received from Uganda's five regions. Each organisation will receive in-kind support worth Shs20 million to strengthen initiatives in health, education, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
The announcement was made on November 10 at Beles Bubu Africa, a refugee-led cultural and media organisation based in Bunga, Kampala, which is among the 25 selected organisations. The organisation received information and communications technology equipment, including projectors, worth Shs20 million to strengthen its programmes and expand its reach.
We are grateful to the MTN Uganda Foundation for recognising our work and believing in our vision. This support will help us reach more children, preserve African heritage and create opportunities for refugee communities
Kisanet Tedros, founder Beles Bubu Africa
Founded by Eritrean migrant Kisanet Tedros, Beles Bubu Africa uses digital media and educational content to preserve African languages and cultural heritage while supporting the integration of refugee communities.
The organisation reaches more than 700 refugees annually and has produced over 1,300 educational videos, attracting more than 110 million views on YouTube.
Tedros said the support would help the organisation expand its educational programmes and reach more refugee families.
"We are grateful to the MTN Uganda Foundation for recognising our work and believing in our vision. This support will help us reach more children, preserve African heritage and create opportunities for refugee communities," she said.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said organisations such as Beles Bubu Africa demonstrated the value of identifying and supporting people developing practical solutions to challenges in their communities.
"Some of the most powerful solutions to our country's challenges do not begin in boardrooms. They start with people who see a problem in their communities and decide to do something about it. Through Changemakers, we want to support these people and help turn their ideas into sustainable initiatives," Mulinge said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the support to strengthen their organisations, build partnerships and extend their impact beyond the programme.
The latest phase brings MTN Uganda Foundation's cumulative investment through Changemakers to Shs2 billion. In its first three phases, the programme supported 75 community initiatives with Shs1.5 billion, reaching more than 119,000 people countrywide.
