President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with senior leaders from Africa’s largest mobile operator, MTN Group, as the company reaffirmed its long-term investment in Uganda’s digital economy.
The high-level delegation, led by MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and CEO Ralph Mupita, visited Uganda this week to engage with top government officials and private sector stakeholders. The visit forms part of a wider strategy to deepen MTN’s engagement across its key African markets.
During a meeting at State House in Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed the group’s ongoing investment and urged MTN to focus on sectors that generate employment and expand income opportunities.
“If people have jobs and incomes, they will buy more phones and use them more,” he said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. “That’s why we must invest in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.”
He also encouraged MTN to explore manufacturing partnerships and regional trade initiatives that could enhance industrial growth across Africa.
The telecoms giant, which has operated in Uganda since 1998, sees the country as a cornerstone of its pan-African expansion. Uganda was the first market outside South Africa where MTN was granted a licence—laying the foundation for its continental footprint.
Today, MTN Uganda serves around 22 million customers, with over half using smartphones. Globally, the group has more than 297 million subscribers.
Chairman Jonas said the company remains committed to Uganda’s development.
“We are here for the long haul,” he said, adding that there were growing opportunities to support Ugandan businesses in accessing markets in South Africa and beyond.
The delegation’s visit also included a stakeholder dinner with regulators, policymakers, and private sector leaders, underscoring MTN’s intention to align with Uganda’s economic priorities.
The talks come on the heels of another major digital development. Just weeks earlier, President Museveni held discussions with representatives from Starlink, the satellite internet venture by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
“I appreciate their commitment to providing low-cost internet in hard-to-reach areas,” the president said on social media, noting plans to establish a Starlink presence in Uganda.
While internet penetration remains low—only about 27% of the population has access—Uganda’s telecom market is expanding, led by providers like MTN and Airtel. Both companies are investing heavily in infrastructure to improve coverage and affordability.
As digital inclusion becomes central to Uganda’s development strategy, partnerships with private sector players such as MTN and Starlink are seen as crucial to bridging the connectivity gap and unlocking economic growth.
