KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE)- The MTN Uganda Foundation has committed Shs500 million to support 25 community initiatives selected under the fourth phase of its Changemakers programme.
The beneficiaries were selected from 2,607 applications received from across the country’s five regions. Each organisation will receive in-kind support worth Shs20 million to strengthen its activities in areas including health, education, water and sanitation, environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
The announcement was made on November 10, 2026, at Beles Bubu Africa, a refugee-led cultural and media organisation based in Bunga, Kampala, which is among the beneficiaries.
Founded by Eritrean migrant Kisanet Tedros, Beles Bubu Africa uses digital media and educational content to preserve African languages and cultural heritage while promoting the integration of refugee communities.
The organisation reaches more than 700 refugees annually and has produced over 1,300 educational videos, which have attracted more than 110 million views on YouTube.
Under the programme, Beles Bubu Africa received information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, including projectors, worth Shs20 million to support its educational programmes and expand its reach.
Welcoming the support, Tedros said the equipment would enable the organisation to reach more children, preserve African heritage and create opportunities for refugee communities.
She thanked the MTN Uganda Foundation for recognising its work and supporting its vision of improving the lives of refugees through education and digital media.
Speaking at the announcement, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the Changemakers programme was established to identify and support people developing practical solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
She said many effective solutions to community challenges originate from individuals who recognise problems around them and take the initiative to address them.
Mulinge encouraged the beneficiaries to use the support to strengthen their organisations, establish partnerships and expand their impact beyond the programme.
The fourth phase brings the total investment in the Changemakers programme to Shs2 billion.
Through its first three phases, the programme supported 75 community initiatives with Shs1.5 billion, benefiting more than 119,000 people.
The 25 beneficiaries represent communities across the country. In the Central Region, they include the National Christian Students Association, Hope Speaks-Katanga, Tunaweza Children’s Centre, Beles Bubu Africa and Women and Children with Albinism in Uganda.
In the Greater Central Region, the beneficiaries are Youth Empowerment Trust Uganda, KLD Catholics Online, Stichting Kabira, Darraine Cerebral Palsy Organisation and Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School.
The Western Region beneficiaries include Youth Elevation Initiative, Charvive Development Foundation, Raising Voices Development Group, Asante Africa Foundation and Refugee Community Action Network.
In the Eastern Region, the selected initiatives are the Rotary Club of Entebbe’s Kavule Primary School Water Project, Prince of Peace Orphans and Widows Vision, Sinnatu Children Support Organisation, Rural Women and Youth Empowerment Centre and Voice Innovative Development Africa.
The Northern Region beneficiaries include Te-Kworo Foundation, Atama Innovation Hub, Wabibi Pads Limited, Zingiti Foundation and Pokot Secondary School.
The MTN Uganda Foundation was established in July 2007 to implement the company’s corporate social investment programmes, focusing on improving the quality of life in disadvantaged and rural communities.
Its interventions cover education, health, economic empowerment and humanitarian response, with a strong emphasis on using technology to deliver sustainable community development.
