Partnerships
Government, MTN Uganda Strengthen Partnership to Advance Digital Transformation
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Expanding internet access, improving digital services, and creating more opportunities for young people were at the centre of discussions between the Government of Uganda and MTN Uganda as both sides sought to strengthen their partnership.
The engagement, held on 29th October 2026, was attended by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba; the Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria; and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde.
MTN Uganda was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge; MTN Mobile Money CEO, Phrase Lubega; and Board member David Ogong, who represented the Board Chairperson, Charles Mbire, alongside other members of management.
Speaking during the engagement, Rt. Hon. Lumumba called for closer cooperation between Government and telecommunications operators to improve ICT policies, laws and regulations in line with changing technologies. "Technology can't wait. We must work together," she said, calling for regular, focused engagements to address sector challenges and improve service delivery.
The Minister appreciated MTN Uganda's contribution to employment, tax revenue, digital infrastructure and community development. She encouraged the company to support more young innovators in turning their ideas into products and businesses that can create jobs and generate income. She also called for continued investment to extend network coverage to underserved communities, ensuring more Ugandans benefit from digital services.
The Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, appreciated MTN's support for education and community development, particularly initiatives that improve access to technology in schools and rural communities.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, recognised MTN Uganda's contribution to implementing the Digital Transformation Roadmap, particularly in connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity and innovation. She highlighted MTN's support for the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa and other innovation initiatives aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and supporting entrepreneurship. She emphasised the need to translate technology investments into employment and economic opportunities for young people.
MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge welcomed the engagement, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen the company's longstanding relationship with Government.
"We look forward to a warm, open and productive conversation," she said, expressing MTN's interest in working more closely with the Ministry to advance shared priorities.
MTN Mobile Money CEO Phrase Lubega highlighted opportunities to use digital financial services to simplify tax payments, improve revenue collection and make financial services more accessible to Ugandans.
The engagement ended with both sides expressing their commitment to continued cooperation to expand connectivity, support innovation, and ensure Uganda's digital transformation delivers practical benefits to citizens.
The engagement, held on 29th October 2026, was attended by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba; the Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria; and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde.
MTN Uganda was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge; MTN Mobile Money CEO, Phrase Lubega; and Board member David Ogong, who represented the Board Chairperson, Charles Mbire, alongside other members of management.
Speaking during the engagement, Rt. Hon. Lumumba called for closer cooperation between Government and telecommunications operators to improve ICT policies, laws and regulations in line with changing technologies. "Technology can't wait. We must work together," she said, calling for regular, focused engagements to address sector challenges and improve service delivery.
The Minister appreciated MTN Uganda's contribution to employment, tax revenue, digital infrastructure and community development. She encouraged the company to support more young innovators in turning their ideas into products and businesses that can create jobs and generate income. She also called for continued investment to extend network coverage to underserved communities, ensuring more Ugandans benefit from digital services.
The Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, appreciated MTN's support for education and community development, particularly initiatives that improve access to technology in schools and rural communities.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, recognised MTN Uganda's contribution to implementing the Digital Transformation Roadmap, particularly in connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity and innovation. She highlighted MTN's support for the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa and other innovation initiatives aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and supporting entrepreneurship. She emphasised the need to translate technology investments into employment and economic opportunities for young people.
MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge welcomed the engagement, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen the company's longstanding relationship with Government.
"We look forward to a warm, open and productive conversation," she said, expressing MTN's interest in working more closely with the Ministry to advance shared priorities.
MTN Mobile Money CEO Phrase Lubega highlighted opportunities to use digital financial services to simplify tax payments, improve revenue collection and make financial services more accessible to Ugandans.
The engagement ended with both sides expressing their commitment to continued cooperation to expand connectivity, support innovation, and ensure Uganda's digital transformation delivers practical benefits to citizens.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
