MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, officially handed over a state-of-the-art computer lab to the Code Compass Foundation in Mbuya, Nakawa Division on Friday, as part of its ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide through the MTN Digital Access Program.
The handover, which also celebrated the graduation of learners from the MTN Skills Academy, coincided with the global commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day—a fitting backdrop to MTN’s continued investment in digital inclusion and gender equality.
Valued at UGX 65 million, the donation includes 10 brand-new computers, an inverter power backup system, and a full year of unlimited internet connectivity.
These resources will enable hundreds of young people—particularly girls—to gain access to coding, digital literacy, and personal development opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Speaking during the event, Brian Mbasa, Senior Manager at MTN Foundation emphasized the transformative potential of digital access:
“We at MTN Uganda believe that access to digital tools—such as computers and the internet—will unlock a world of possibilities, opportunities, and hope for our youth,” he said.
“With Uganda’s population being one of the youngest in the world, we cannot afford to let our young people be excluded from the digital economy of tomorrow.”
The Code Compass Foundation is one of six centers across Uganda benefiting from MTN’s UGX 390 million Digital Access Project. Other beneficiaries include Tunaweza Foundation in Nyanama, Revival Girls High School in Mbarara, St. Catherine Girls in Kazo, St. Joseph’s Seminary in Nyenga, and the soon-to-be-launched lab at St. John’s Secondary School in Sheema. Together, these hubs are helping create a national ecosystem of digital inclusion and empowerment.
In addition to physical infrastructure, learners at Code Compass will now access the MTN Skills Academy—a digital learning platform offering courses in technology, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills designed to prepare young people for success in the 21st century.
MTN also commended the Foundation’s holistic approach, highlighting the inclusion of mental health and wellness programs run in partnership with Strong Minds.
“We understand that thriving in the digital world requires not just technical skills but emotional resilience. That’s why we’re proud to support programs that nurture both head and heart,” Mbasa added.
The initiative forms part of MTN Uganda’s broader Ambition 2025 Strategy, which prioritizes inclusive access to digital and financial solutions for all Ugandans. It also aligns with the Government’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan III, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—all of which are focused on transforming lives and driving inclusive growth
MTN Uganda executives called on stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate more closely to realize national and global development goals.
Maria Angella Aboyo, Founder of Code Compass Foundation, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to MTN Uganda for their support, highlighting the lasting impact it will have on empowering young girls in the surrounding communities.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to MTN Uganda for joining us in celebrating this milestone at Code Compass Foundation and for their generous donation of a fully equipped ICT Lab. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe and innovative environment where our students—particularly young girls—can develop hands-on skills in coding, robotics, AI, web development, and more,” she stated.
MTN Uganda has since 2015 facilitated the establishment of 63 ICT labs nationwide, including nine in technical institutes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to inclusive and accessible education for all.
