MTN remits shs50 billion to UCC rural fund
By Bahati Asher Faith
Published on 14/05/2025 10:36
Local News

MTN Uganda has remitted 50.55 billion shillings, equivalent to 2 percent of its gross annual revenue, to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

This contribution aligns with the obligations set forth in Section 3(g) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, which requires UCC to establish and oversee a fund dedicated to enhancing rural communications and advancing information and communication technology across the country.

Under this law, all licensed telecom operators must allocate 2 percent of their annual revenue to UCC, with half being directed to the national Consolidated Fund and the other half supporting the expansion of communications infrastructure in underserved and rural areas through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund.

The latest contribution marks an increase of 12 billion shillings compared to the previous year, reflecting the sector’s revenue growth.

MTN Uganda’s CEO, Sylvia Mulinge, reiterated the company’s commitment to digital inclusion, stating, “At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life.” She emphasized that this contribution is part of the company’s broader vision to facilitate Uganda’s digital transformation by investing in infrastructure and promoting affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy.

The Fund plays a crucial role in enabling the government to extend essential communication services to unserved and underserved regions.

UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo lauded MTN for its consistent and timely compliance with the obligation, noting that the steadily increasing contribution signals a thriving telecom sector, supported by favorable legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks.

MTN Uganda reported a gross revenue of 3.172 trillion shillings for 2024, reflecting an 18.9 percent increase from 2.669 trillion in 2023.

According to its financial report, total service revenues for the year reached 3.143 trillion shillings, with 1.259 trillion attributed to voice services. Data revenue surged by 30.5 percent to 811.76 billion shillings, while fintech operations generated 947.509 billion shillings.

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