Lira City, Uganda: MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited has commissioned and handed over the newly refreshed Lira Main Market to Lira City leadership, concluding a partnership designed to improve the functionality, appearance, and business readiness of one of the city’s most important trading centres.
The ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Lira City, the Resident City Commissioner, the City Clerk, the Market Master, and officials from MTN Uganda.
Beyond the physical refresh, the initiative reinforces MTN MoMo’s role as a long-term partner to traders and small businesses, supporting the transition towards modern, cashless commerce. By improving the market environment and promoting digital payments, MTN MoMo aims to empower vendors to grow their businesses with greater convenience, security, and confidence.
Speaking at the handover, Mr Peter Ochen, General Manager for Financial Operations at MTN Mobile Money Uganda, said the partnership reflects MTN MoMo’s belief in supporting traders beyond transactions.
“Markets like Lira Main Market are the heartbeat of our local economy. Through this initiative, MTN MoMo is demonstrating that we are invested in the growth of traders and small businesses, not just in providing a payment platform. Under our Ambition 2025 strategy, we are committed to driving financial inclusion and enabling traders to operate in safer, more efficient, and cashless environments that support their everyday hustle,” he said.
His Worship Mayor Sam Atul welcomed the handover, noting that the partnership supports the city’s vision of a cleaner, modern, and competitive urban centre.
“Our goal is to beautify Lira City and modernise our public markets. This partnership with MTN MoMo fits well with that vision, helping us keep Lira Main Market tidy, organised, and ready for business while supporting safer and more efficient ways for traders to transact,” the Mayor said.
The Resident City Commissioner, Mr Egole Lawrence, commended the collaboration, highlighting the importance of public–private partnerships in transforming city infrastructure and services.
“When government and the private sector work together, we create real impact for our people. Initiatives like this improve livelihoods and strengthen trust in modern, secure systems that benefit the entire city,” he said.
The handover of Lira Main Market underscores MTN MoMo’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and long-term urban renewal, in line with MTN’s Ambition 2025 Strategy. Through visible, functional, and trusted infrastructure, MTN MoMo continues to position itself as a reliable partner rooted in the everyday lives of traders and communities across Uganda.
