MTN Group has reinforced its long-term commitment to Uganda as a strategic digital hub by hosting its prestigious annual Chairmen’s Forum in Kampala this week. The high-level gathering brought together Board Chairpersons from MTN’s various operating subsidiaries alongside senior executives to evaluate strategic priorities, foster stronger alignment, and drive forward the company’s mission to lead Africa’s digital transformation.
The forum, which has become a cornerstone event in MTN’s corporate calendar, served as a platform for critical reflection and strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing the Group’s operations across the continent. Hosted in Uganda—MTN’s first international market beyond South Africa—the event underscored the country’s importance to the company’s legacy and future ambitions.
Leading the MTN delegation were Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and President & CEO Ralph Mupita. In addition to internal strategy discussions, the leadership engaged in key bilateral meetings with Uganda’s top political figures and stakeholders, highlighting MTN’s continued dedication to national development.
A pivotal moment during the visit was a formal audience with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House in Entebbe. The President commended MTN’s sustained investment in Uganda and urged the company to align its efforts with the country’s priority sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. “Investments that generate employment are crucial. When people are employed and earning, they invest in services like telecom, which boosts the entire economy,” said President Museveni. He also encouraged MTN to expand its investment footprint regionally to support broader African integration.
MTN Uganda has played a central role in the Group’s expansion story since receiving its telecom license in 1998, becoming the first market in MTN’s international portfolio. Over the years, the Ugandan operation has grown into one of the Group’s most significant subsidiaries, both in terms of financial performance and social impact.
Expressing gratitude to the Ugandan government, Chairman Mcebisi Jonas praised the fruitful relationship with local regulators and emphasized MTN’s long-term vision. “We are not here for short-term gain—we are invested in Uganda’s future. This market has been instrumental to our success, and we are committed to deepening this partnership,” Jonas said. He also highlighted the potential for bolstering trade ties between Uganda and South Africa, stating that MTN could serve as a conduit for Ugandan enterprises seeking to access broader markets across the continent.
The visit concluded with a formal stakeholder dinner hosted by MTN, attended by senior government officials and members of the private sector, further reinforcing the company’s integrated approach to public-private collaboration.
As MTN continues its journey toward digital inclusivity and infrastructure development across Africa, Uganda remains a pivotal partner—demonstrating the power of sustained investment, collaborative growth, and a united vision for a digitally empowered continent.
