25 changemakers set to transform communities as MTN Uganda foundation unveils phase IV beneficiaries

MTN Uganda Foundation announced 25 beneficiaries of the fourth phase of its Changemakers initiative, committing UGX 500 million in support of community-led initiatives countrywide.

The beneficiaries were selected from 2,607 applications received from Uganda’s five regions.

Each beneficiary will receive in-kind support worth UGX 20 million to strengthen projects in health, education, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

The announcement was made at Beles Bubu Africa, a refugee-led cultural and media organization in Bunga, Kampala, one of the 25 selected initiatives. As part of Phase IV, it received ICT equipment, including projectors, worth UGX 20 million to strengthen its programmes and expand its reach.

Founded by Eritrean migrant Kisanet Tedros, Beles Bubu Africa uses digital media and educational content to preserve African languages and cultural heritage while supporting the integration of refugee communities.

It reaches more than 700 refugees annually and has produced over 1,300 educational videos, attracting more than 110 million YouTube views.

Welcoming the support, Tedros said it will enable the organization to expand its educational programmes and reach more refugee families.

“We are grateful to the MTN Uganda Foundation for recognizing our work and believing in our vision. This support will help us reach more children, preserve African heritage and create opportunities for refugee communities,” she said.

Speaking at the announcement, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said initiatives such as Beles Bubu Africa reflect the purpose of the Changemakers programme: identifying and supporting people developing practical solutions to challenges in their communities.

“Some of the most powerful solutions to our country’s challenges do not begin in boardrooms. They start with people who see a problem in their communities and decide to do something about it. Through Changemakers, we want to support these people and help turn their ideas into sustainable initiatives,” Mulinge said.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the support to strengthen their organizations, build partnerships and extend their impact beyond the programme.

The fourth phase brings MTN Changemakers’ cumulative investment to UGX 2 billion. Through its first three phases, the programme supported 75 community initiatives with UGX 1.5 billion, impacting more than 119,000people.

Beneficiaries per region