By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
Telecom Company, MTN Uganda has donated 20 computers and connected free internet in Ongongoja Senior secondary school with the aim of increasing access to digital learning among underserved schools, as well as improving the quality of education in the country.
The MTN Uganda staff, along with their partners, extended the support worth over Shs250 million to Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda, as part of its “30 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff of MTN Uganda, led by their visionary CEO, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, for this wonderful gesture. This initiative seamlessly aligns with our government’s ambition of providing inclusive and quality education for all children in Uganda,” said Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner who represented VP Jessica Alupo.
This initiative, an extension of the long standing” 21 Days of Y’ello Care,” celebrates MTN Group’s 30th anniversary and underscores the company’s commitment to effecting positive change in the communities it serves.
The theme of this year’s campaign,”Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities,” highlights MTN’s dedication to bridging the educational divide in underprivileged areas, aligning with Uganda Vision 2040 and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocate for inclusive and quality education for all.
Additionally, the initiative includes the construction of a ventilated improved pit latrine for girls, the installation of a water source, and menstrual hygiene training to support female students. The establishment of a modern kitchen, a school garden for vegetables, and concrete seats under trees have further enhanced the learning environment.
Meanwhile, the Katakwi District Education Officer, Angela Atim who was in attendance says Ongongoja Secondary School, government-aided institution in Ongongoja sub-county, Katakwi district, serves 735 students (419 boys and 316 girls) and is the sole secondary school participating in the Universal Secondary Education program in the area.
“As government aided school, Ongongoja Secondary School relies on government grants and contributions from well-wishers to support its various programs and initiatives. I am humbled and grateful that the staff of MTN have extended their support to our school. I appeal to other well-wishers to join us in supporting the future of our nation by contributing to education for all,” said Atim.
CAO Katakwi Paul Walakira in his statement urges parents to prioritize education and confirmed that he is going to work hard with the education department to see that all pupils and students in Katakwi will get quality education.
Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer at MTN Uganda, highlighted the importance of this year’s initiative citing the limited access to ICT in rural schools and the importance of integrating technology in learning, today.
“While access to ICT equipment remains a significant challenge for students in rural areas, MTN Uganda is committed to transforming this landscape, by providing computers and ensuring constant access to electricity. By integrating technology into learning environments, we are actively narrowing the digital divide and actively demonstrating our commitment to providing digital solutions for Uganda’s progress”, said Mulinge.
This year’s MTN Yellow Care campaign has already benefited other institutions, including Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala, St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi District, and Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe. Upcoming beneficiaries include Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School and Nekemeya Seed Secondary School in Kalangala District.
Mulinge added that MTN Uganda carries out this initiative annually in June to engage with communities, solidify the positive impact in the communication network in Uganda.
Dorothy Semanda, CEO of American Tower Connection Uganda (ATC) thanked MTN Uganda for moving with them in supporting Ongongoja Senior Secondary school.
Geoffrey Omolo chairperson LCV Katakwi in his remarks thanked the management of MTN for the great initiative towards the people more so the students of Katakwi district.
He however, urges the people of Katakwi district to support education as one tool to achieve development in our families.
Omolo asks the school authorities to safeguard the equipment for the benefit of future generations in Katakwi.
MJ Rtd Goffrey Katamba the Resident District Commissioner Katakwi district said that the government has come up with good plans to eradicate individuals from poverty.
He appealed to the community of Ongongoja sub county to embrace government programs i.e. PDM, Emyonga, Youth livelihood program, WEP and GROW in order to change our household status in Katakwi.
This initiative was launched on Friday 21-6-2024 in a volunteerism drive presided over by Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner on behalf of H.E. Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, and attended by the Katakwi district leaders.
Ocailap lauded MTN for its visionary initiative that is bound to improve learning outcomes for the students of Ongongoja Secondary School.
He therefore asks the people of Katakwi to vote for president Museveni and Vice president MJ Rtd Jessica Alupo come the 2026 forthcoming election.
On October 21 1998, MTN Uganda launched commercial services in Uganda, just six months after acquiring and signing of the license.
