The MTN Foundation Uganda Changemakers Initiative is currently accepting applications for its fourth phase, offering funding to community groups, social enterprises, and grassroots organizations. The program aims to support practical solutions that address real community needs and have the potential to make a greater impact with targeted support. With a budget of UGX 500 million, the initiative will support 25 projects in education, health, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
The Changemakers model is centered around empowering communities to develop their own solutions to pressing problems. Applicants are required to identify a problem, demonstrate their solution, explain who will benefit, and show how funding will help the project grow or become more sustainable. By supporting community-led initiatives, the program seeks to promote ownership and dignity in development efforts. Since its launch three years ago, Changemakers has supported 75 projects, reaching 274,716 people and investing over UGX 1.5 billion across five regions.
One notable example of a successful Changemakers project is the Kyobugombe Health Centre II in Kabale District. The health centre faced significant challenges, including a shortage of beds and unreliable power, which limited its ability to provide safe deliveries, examinations, and emergency care. Through Changemakers, MTN Uganda provided support worth UGX 20 million, including delivery, examination, sick and hospital beds, and a solar power system. This intervention has enabled the health centre to serve patients more safely and consistently.
The Changemakers program has also supported initiatives that promote economic empowerment, particularly for women. The Nyenje Voice Saving Association in Mukono District, for instance, received funding for confectionery equipment, enabling the group to expand its bakery and train over 100 members in baking skills. Similarly, the Migyera Women Centre of Influence in Nakasongola received sewing machines and fabric to support women in tailoring and income-generating activities.
Education is another key area where Changemakers has made a significant impact. The Kara Girl Initiative in Kotido, for example, used funding to produce reusable sanitary pads for over 600 schoolgirls, helping to address a practical barrier to girls' education. In Alebtong and Nabilatuk, schools received rainwater harvesting systems and classroom furniture, improving the learning environment and helping children study in greater comfort.
The Changemakers program is not looking for large-scale projects; rather, it seeks practical ideas rooted in community needs that have the potential to become stronger and more impactful with targeted support. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they are trying to solve, their proposed solution, and how funding will help deliver better results. A strong application is not just about asking for funding; it is about showing a credible path from problem to solution to impact.
Community groups, social enterprises, grassroots organizations, and individuals with practical, community-led solutions are encouraged to apply for the MTN Changemakers Phase IV program online through MTN Uganda's Changemakers page. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026. According to MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge, the program is about enabling communities to do development for themselves, at scale, with dignity and ownership.
Key points
- The MTN Foundation Uganda Changemakers Initiative has invested over UGX 1.5 billion in 75 projects across five regions since its launch three years ago.
- The program is seeking applications for funding to support community projects in education, health, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
- Successful applicants will receive funding and support to help their projects grow, improve service delivery, or become more sustainable.
