KABALE District, Uganda : MTN Uganda has provided medical equipment and infrastructure worth Shs 20 million to Kyobugombe Health Center II in Kabale District, expanding access to maternal healthcare and emergency services for more than 8,700 residents.
The support, delivered through the MTN Foundation under its Changemakers Initiative, includes delivery and maternity beds and a solar power system to strengthen service delivery at the facility.
Kyobugombe Health Center II is among the beneficiaries of the programme’s third phase in Western Uganda, as the technology firm continues to scale up its community-focused investments across the country.
“We believe that the benefits of a modern, connected life must go hand in hand with access to quality healthcare,” said Andrew Tusubira, Commercial Head – Western Region at MTN Uganda.
“Connectivity is important, but it is most meaningful when people are healthy, empowered and able to participate fully in their communities and in the economy,” he said.
The Resident District Commissioner for Kabale District, Michael Kyakashari, welcomed the intervention, noting that the support would significantly improve service delivery at the facility, particularly in maternal health and emergency response.
“This support comes at a critical time for our community. It will strengthen the capacity of Kyobugombe Health Center II to provide safer deliveries and respond more effectively to emergencies,” he said, adding that partnerships with the private sector remain key to improving health outcomes in the district.
The Changemakers Initiative, launched three years ago, identifies and supports community-driven solutions across sectors including health, education, economic empowerment, environment and water and sanitation. To date, the programme has funded over 50 projects, invested more than Shs 1 billion and reached over 235,000 beneficiaries.
MTN Uganda is investing an additional Shs 500 million in the current phase to support 25 projects across all regions of the country, reflecting a strategy to ensure inclusive and geographically balanced impact.
Some beneficiaries in this phase include the Migeera Women Centre of Influence in Nakasongola District and the Nyenje Voice Savings Association in Mukono District, who received support to enhance vocational training and income-generating activities.
Tusubira said the company’s approach focuses on strengthening existing community efforts rather than introducing external solutions.
“We are supporting people and institutions that are already making a difference. When you strengthen what communities are already doing, the impact is deeper and more sustainable,” he said.
He added that partnerships with local organisations such as KAD Initiatives, which is working with MTN Uganda to implement the programme on the ground, were key to ensuring long-term success.
“Projects like this succeed because of collaboration between the private sector, community organisations and local leadership. That is how lasting change is built,” Tusubira said.
Dr. Gilbert Mateka, the District Health Officer, Kabale, said the new equipment would improve maternal care, ensure continuity of services through reliable power supply and enhance emergency response through better referral systems.
MTN Uganda said it would continue to expand the Changemakers Initiative nationwide, positioning community-led development as a key pillar of its broader social investment strategy.
