MTN Uganda Turns Hope into Access for Visually Impaired Students

MTN Uganda, through its MTN Changemakers initiative, has provided computers, a work station and desks worth UGX 20million in support of St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School, Ngetta, as part of its commitment to promoting inclusive education.

Established last year by Itinga Charity Education Foundation (ICEF) and its partners, the school now caters to Senior One and Senior Two students, with an enrollment of 45 learners—10 of whom are totally blind and 12 with low or partial blindness.

The contribution includes three desktop computers equipped with Braille JAWS software to facilitate learning for visually impaired students, as well as 40 desks, creating 80 additional learning spaces to ensure every student has a conducive study environment.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Brian Kagwisagye, MTN’s Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering accessible education for all.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, yet for many learners with disabilities, access remains a challenge. Our support to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School, Ngetta, reflects our belief that no child should be left behind. Through technology and infrastructure support, we hope to enable these students to pursue their ambitions unhindered.

– Brian Kagwisagye, Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda, MTN

Brian noted that this intervention, under the MTN Foundation, is part of MTN Uganda’s broader Ambition 2025 strategy, which aims not only to foster digital and financial inclusion but also to promote education for all across Uganda. He added that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 10 on reduced inequalities.

ICEF, the driving force behind the school, continues to champion inclusive education by ensuring that learners with disabilities receive the necessary resources for academic success.

Acen Kevin, the Executive Director of ICEF, welcomed MTN Uganda’s contribution, stating:

This initiative will significantly enhance the learning experience of our students, particularly those with visual impairments. By providing assistive technology and improving classroom infrastructure, MTN Uganda is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive educational system.

– Acen Kevin, Executive Director, ICEF

Brian further highlighted that, in this second edition of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects across the country, supporting organizations that are driving change in key sectors such as education, health, and economic development.

As part of these efforts, MTN Uganda has also extended support to pediatric cancer care at the Bless a Child Foundation, education programs under the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, and vocational training through the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre in Iganga and the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole, among others.

Last year, MTN Uganda, through the MTN Changemakers initiative, invested UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects, reinforcing its commitment to making a lasting impact in communities across the country.