MTN Uganda has today launched the 2026 edition of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, committing employee volunteer time, technology solutions and infrastructure support to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in underserved communities.
The MTN Group employee volunteerism initiative will run up to August 21 under the theme “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community.” It brings together MTN employees, the Ministry of Health, district local governments, healthcare workers and community partners to strengthen access to quality maternal and child health services.
The campaign, traditionally held during the first three weeks of June, was moved to August following the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, as health authorities and partners focused their efforts on containment and emergency response.
The campaign is part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which places sustainability, inclusive growth and shared value at the centre of the company’s long-term approach. Through Y’ello Care, MTN is leveraging its people, technology, digital platforms and partnerships to support solutions that address real community needs and contribute to national development priorities.
This year’s campaign worth investment will support four public health facilities: Kibiito Health Centre IV in Bunyangabu District, Maddu Health Centre IV in Gomba District, Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District and Karita Health Centre IV in Amudat District.
The interventions will include community health camps, maternal and child health awareness, health worker training, digital health initiatives and healthcare infrastructure upgrades.
MTN will install solar power systems and water tanks, provide essential medical equipment and support facility improvements such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Karita Health Centre IV to better newborn care.
The company will also train medical records officers on the Electronic Medical Records Information System (EMRIS), equip Village Health Teams and community health workers with digital literacy skills through Maendeleo Foundation, and expand access to maternal health information through Zuri Health, which has since partnered with MTN Uganda.
Through MTN MoMo, the company will provide financial literacy training to communities, recognising the role of financial inclusion in strengthening household resilience and access to essential services.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, MTN MoMo Uganda Managing Director Phrase Lubega said the campaign demonstrates the company’s commitment to using connectivity, technology and partnerships to support solutions that improve lives.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. That belief goes beyond providing connectivity; it is about leveraging our people, platforms and partnerships to support solutions that improve lives and create meaningful impact in communities,” he said.
“Through Y’ello Care, our employees are taking this commitment beyond our business by volunteering their time, skills and energy to work alongside government, healthcare workers and partners. Together, we are bringing practical and dignified maternal and child health support closer to communities that are underserved, but dear to us,” he added.
The campaign comes as Uganda continues to make progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths, although gaps remain in access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation show that Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio has declined from 336 deaths per 100,000 live births a decade ago to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births currently. However, the rate remains above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Neonatal mortality stands at 22 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with the SDG target of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births. Teenage pregnancy also remains a major concern, with nearly one in four girls aged 15 to 19 either pregnant or already mothers, contributing to about one-fifth of maternal deaths.
The Chief guest, Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume, said private sector partnerships remain critical in supporting government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
“Uganda has made significant progress in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, but gaps remain, particularly in ensuring that all mothers and newborns can access quality healthcare services regardless of where they live,” Hon. Dr. Ayume said.
“I am therefore pleased that MTN Uganda has consistently partnered with government in strengthening healthcare delivery across the country. Investments that enhance health facility capacity, build the skills of healthcare workers, expand access to essential medical services and leverage technology to improve health information systems are critical to ensuring that mothers and newborns receive timely, quality and dignified care,” he added.
MTN Uganda has supported maternal and newborn health programmes worth more than Shs7.5 billion over the past decade, supporting 36 health facilities across 49 districts and reaching more than one million beneficiaries.
The company’s interventions have contributed to improved maternal and newborn health outcomes at supported facilities, including reductions in maternal and infant mortality, while thousands of mothers have benefited from upgraded maternity wards equipped with essential obstetric and emergency care equipment.
Now in its 19th year, 21 Days of Y’ello Care is one of MTN’s largest employee-led social investment programmes, with employees across its markets dedicating their time, skills and expertise to addressing social challenges in the communities where they operate.
For more information about 21 Days of Y’ello Care and MTN’s commitment to social development, visit https://www.mtn.co.ug or follow MTN Uganda on social media.
