MTN Foundation Uganda has opened applications for the fourth phase of its Changemakers Initiative, a program designed to amplify grassroots solutions addressing critical community challenges. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2026, with UGX 500 million allocated to fund 25 projects across education, health, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. The initiative prioritizes practical, community-driven projects with scalable impact, emphasizing solutions that directly address local needs.
The program’s fourth phase builds on three years of progress, during which it has supported 75 projects, benefiting 274,716 people and investing over Shs1.5 billion across five regions. MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge stated, “It is about enabling communities to do development for themselves, at scale, with dignity and ownership.” The initiative focuses on projects that demonstrate clear pathways from problem identification to measurable outcomes, ensuring funding strengthens existing efforts rather than replacing them.
Key examples include Kyobugombe Health Centre II in Kabale District, where UGX 20 million in funding from the Changemakers Initiative addressed critical gaps in maternity care and emergency services. The investment provided beds, solar power systems, and medical equipment, improving service delivery during power outages and increasing capacity for safe deliveries. Similarly, the Nyenje Voice Saving Association in Mukono District used confectionery equipment to expand its bakery, training over 100 women and transforming baking into a sustainable income source.
In Nakasongola, the Migyera Women Centre of Influence received sewing machines and fabric to enhance tailoring training, while the Kara Girl Initiative in Kotido produced reusable sanitary pads for 600 schoolgirls, reducing absenteeism. In Alebtong and Nabilatuk, rainwater harvesting systems and classroom furniture improved learning conditions, and in Kanungu and Kikuube, beekeepers and producers gained tools to elevate honey and product quality, boosting economic returns.
MTN Foundation trustee Allen Kagina emphasized, “We are supporting people and institutions that are already making a difference. The idea is to help scale what works locally.” The initiative’s success hinges on its focus on community ownership, with applicants required to detail how funding will enhance project sustainability, service delivery, or reach. “A strong application is not just about asking for funding; it is about showing a credible path from problem to solution to impact,” Kagina added.
The program’s flexibility allows projects of varying scales to apply, as demonstrated by the Kyobugombe Health Centre’s hospital beds and solar power, which significantly improved care quality. Similarly, the Kara Girl Initiative’s sanitary pads and the Nyenje Association’s bakery upgrades illustrate how targeted support can transform local efforts into scalable solutions. “What matters is the impact your project can create with the right support,” Mulinge said, encouraging applicants to submit proposals that address real, urgent needs.
Prospective applicants are urged to apply online via MTN Uganda’s Changemakers page, with the deadline set for September 30, 2026. The initiative remains open to community groups, social enterprises, grassroots organizations, and individuals with innovative, locally rooted solutions. By bridging resource gaps and fostering self-driven development, Changemakers continues to empower Ugandan communities to tackle challenges independently and sustainably.