MTN Uganda’’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has announced a substantial contribution of technical equipment and educational materials worth UGX 16 million to the Rotaract Club of Masaka.
This support will help Rotaract Club of Masaka set up a comprehensive technical training program at Masaka Main Prison, aimed at empowering inmates with practical skills. The initiative, part of the broader MTN Changemakers Initiative, reflects MTN Uganda’s commitment to fostering positive social change and economic development through vocational training and education.
The program at Masaka Main Prison will offer courses in essential trades such as welding, carpentry, tailoring, and salon services, complemented by the provision of necessary educational materials. Segawa Martine represented the CCO, the Chief Community Officer representing Greater Masaka for MTN Uganda said the telecom’s support to the inmates aligns with its Ambition 2025 strategy whose aim is to lead digital solutions for Uganda’s progress.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. It is this conviction that is driving to equip Masaka Main Prison with state-of-the-art technical skilling equipment,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that inmates acquire the most valuable and marketable skills, enabling them to contribute positively to the country’s socio-economic development. Whether during their time in prison or upon their release, we aim to facilitate their seamless reintegration with their families and communities.”
He said MTN Uganda is proud to support Rotaract Club of Masaka at the time the company is striving to enhance sustainability and inclusiveness in the communities. This support comes as research published by UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in 2021 shows that inmates who participate in education and training programmes are not only less likely to return to prison but are also more likely to find employment on release and hence give them a renewed sense of purpose.
The support of Rotaract Club of Masaka towards the launch of the technical training program in prison underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving societal improvement and digital inclusion.
“MTN Uganda invites other organizations and individuals to join in this transformative journey, emphasizing that collective action is essential for a prosperous future,” Male said.
Rtn Benedict Mulema, the president of Rotaract Club of Masaka applauded MTN Uganda for the support saying it will transform the lives of inmates. The MTN Foundation has earmarked UGX 500 million for 25 selected projects across the nation, spanning economic empowerment, education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to invest in the nation’s future, targeting youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities across five regions of Uganda. Over the last decade, the MTN Foundation has dedicated UGX 30 billion towards more than 250 projects in education, health, youth empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, and humanitarian response significantly impacting communities nationwide and cementing its position as a catalyst for positive change and development in Uganda.