Corporate
MTN Uganda and Busoga Kingdom Reaffirm Unstoppable Partnership in Royal Visit to Igenge Palace
In a colourful and heartfelt ceremony held at the iconic Igenge Palace in Jinja, MTN Uganda’s top leadership, led by CEO Sylvia Mulinge, paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty, Kyabazinga Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, in a powerful reaffirmation of their enduring seven-year partnership with the Busoga Kingdom. The visit, described as a morning of “culture, connection, and gratitude,” underscored the strong bond between corporate vision and cultural heritage that has blossomed into one of Uganda’s most admired public-private collaborations.
Welcomed with warmth and honour, the MTN delegation was received by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Katukiiro gha’Busoga (Prime Minister of Busoga), who set the tone for the day’s proceedings by acknowledging the deeper meaning of cultural ties. “Culture is not just tradition… It’s emotion, identity, and unity,” he said, reinforcing the spiritual and symbolic weight of the engagement. “A friend who gives, we give,” he added, capturing the spirit of mutual support that has defined the MTN–Busoga relationship.
Speaking during the visit, Owek. Al-Hajj Ahmed Osman Noor, the Kingdom’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Partnerships, proudly recounted the impact of the seven-year collaboration. From supporting popular cultural events like the Busoga Masaza Football Cup and community bicycle races, to expanding digital inclusion and empowering the youth, MTN’s footprint has reached far beyond infrastructure into the heart of everyday life in Busoga. “Your commitment has turned our partnership into one of the most admired to date,” Noor affirmed.
The MTN delegation, introduced by Senior Manager of Brand and Communications Martin Sebuliba, included other key leaders such as GM-Enterprise Business Ibrahim Senyonga, GM-Customer Experience Dorcas Batwala Muhwezi, and Chief Community Officer Dr. David Nsiyona, among others. Dr. Nsiyona, who also serves as a key distributor in the region, offered compelling testimony of MTN’s impact, revealing that their operations now support over 40 service centres reaching nearly 400,000 people across the Kingdom—evidence of a robust partnership creating meaningful, scalable transformation.
CEO Sylvia Mulinge’s presence was both a cultural and corporate milestone. Dressed in a traditional gomesi, Mulinge marked her first visit to the palace with a personal touch that resonated deeply with attendees. She congratulated His Majesty on his recent appointment as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and commended the Kingdom’s progressive efforts in addressing pressing social challenges, particularly teenage pregnancy, through programs rooted in education, sports, and technology.
Mulinge emphasised that MTN’s commitment to social impact is more than philanthropy—it is strategy. “A socially empowered community is what guarantees companies like ours a future,” she said. “That’s why we believe that together, we’re unstoppable.”
In a moment of symbolic exchange, the Busoga Kingdom presented MTN Uganda with a crafted plaque of appreciation and royal portraits of the Kyabazinga and the Inhebantu (Queen), celebrating the company’s contributions. MTN reciprocated with modern smartphones presented to the royal couple and the Kingdom’s leadership, further deepening digital inclusion and symbolising a shared vision of a connected future.
Responding to the tribute, the Kyabazinga expressed heartfelt appreciation for MTN’s instrumental role in uplifting communities and supporting Busoga’s development journey. “We’ve walked together for seven years. Let’s go even further,” he declared, signalling a strong desire to build on the foundation of trust, partnership, and impact.
As the sun set on Igenge Hill, the visit stood as more than a ceremonial event—it was a celebration of progress, purpose, and partnership. What began as a corporate relationship has evolved into a dynamic model of how businesses can collaborate with traditional institutions to drive social change. With both MTN Uganda and the Busoga Kingdom aligned in vision and values, their journey forward promises not only continuity but unstoppable growth.
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