MUKONO DISTRICT, Uganda : MTN Uganda has handed over confectionery equipment to Nyenje Voice Saving Association in Mukono District as part of its Changemakers initiative, aimed at boosting vocational skills and community livelihoods.
The support, valued at about Shs 20 million, includes electric mixers and stainless-steel working tables to strengthen baking training and expand income-generating opportunities for the group’s members.
The intervention forms part of the third phase of the MTN Changemakers programme, under which the technology company is investing Shs 500 million in 25 community projects across Uganda, focusing on economic empowerment, education, health, environmental protection, and water and sanitation.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone should not only enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life but also access opportunities that enable them to improve their livelihoods and transform their communities,” MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said.
“Through the Changemakers initiative, we are supporting individuals and organisations that are already creating solutions, with the aim of driving sustainable, community-led impact.”
Launched three years ago under the MTN Foundation, the Changemakers initiative has so far funded more than 50 projects, deploying over Shs1 billion and reaching more than 235,000 beneficiaries.
Mukono District leaders said the MTN Uganda support would help strengthen local enterprise development and skills training.
“This partnership is a strong example of how private sector support can complement government efforts to promote skills development and economic empowerment at community level,” Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament elect, Sheilah Amaniyo,said.
Sherifa Peace Barry, the chairperson of Nyenje Voice Saving Association, which also provides training in hairdressing, welding and poultry keeping, said the equipment would improve both training capacity and product quality.
“This equipment will enable us to train more people and increase our production capacity, which translates into better incomes for our members,” she said. “We are committed to maintaining the machines and reinvesting proceeds to ensure sustainability.”
Barry said the association currently has 100 active members, with plans to enrol more community members.This handover follows a similar engagement in Nakasongola District earlier this week, as MTN Uganda rolls out support to beneficiaries under the latest phase of the programme.
The company handed over sewing machines and fabric valued at Shs 20 million to the Migeera Women Centre of Influence, part of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, to expand its vocational training programme, currently with 60 students.
The initiative specifically targets women, including sex workers and other community members, seeking to gain skills in tailoring and entrepreneurship.
The company executives add that it is focusing on scalable, community-driven initiatives as part of its broader strategy to drive inclusive growth and shared value.
