In the heart of Iganga Municipality, a beacon of hope shines for vulnerable young women, thanks to a powerful partnership between MTN Uganda and Hands of Hope Uganda. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation, MTN Uganda is investing in the futures of survivors of gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage, equipping them with vital livelihood skills.
Hands of Hope Uganda, a dedicated non-governmental organization, provides these women with training in tailoring, hairdressing, baking, and computer skills. This initiative is a core component of MTN Uganda’s Changemakers Initiative, a program designed to drive social change and economic empowerment across the nation.
MTN Uganda’s commitment is tangible, with a contribution of equipment worth UGX 18 million. This includes 10 sewing machines (four industrial-grade), an embroidery machine, three desktop computers, and three months of paid internet connectivity. These resources will enable 50 young women to gain critical skills in sewing, embroidery, and the production of essential items like reusable sanitary pads, clothing, and home accessories.
The impact extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. As these women gain the skills to create businesses and generate income, they will become employers and role models in their communities, creating a ripple effect that will positively impact at least 100 additional individuals within Iganga Municipality.
“Empowerment begins with access—to knowledge, tools, and the digital world,” says Allan Njagala, MTN Uganda’s Head of Commercial Eastern Region. “By providing this equipment, we are ensuring that these young women have the resources they need to transform their futures and make meaningful contributions to the prosperity of their communities.”
Jane Namara, the Director of Hands of Hope Uganda, expresses heartfelt gratitude for MTN Uganda’s support. “MTN’s contribution has been a game-changer for these young women,” she says. “With the tools and training provided, we are laying the foundation for their success. This is not just about building skills—it is about creating lasting change and opportunities that will impact their lives and their communities for years to come.”
The partnership with Hands of Hope Uganda is part of a broader commitment by MTN Uganda to support impactful organizations across the country. Previous beneficiaries include the Bless A Child Foundation, which supports children with cancer, and the 40 Over 40 Smiles Foundation in Kampala. Upcoming projects under the Changemakers Initiative will support initiatives in Kira, Kalangala, Bushenyi, Lira, and Soroti.
This dedication to social empowerment builds on the success of last year’s initial phase of the Changemakers Initiative, which invested UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide.
The Hands of Hope Uganda partnership aligns with MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on education, empowerment, and creating inclusive opportunities. By providing access to the tools and skills needed to thrive in a connected, digital world, MTN Uganda is helping to build a brighter future for Ugandans and their communities.