A skills development group in Mukono District has received confectionery equipment worth Shs 20 million to enhance vocational training and boost community livelihoods.
The support, which includes electric mixers and stainless-steel working tables, was extended to Nyenje Voice Saving Association to strengthen baking training and expand income-generating opportunities for its members.
The intervention is part of the third phase of the Changemakers initiative, which is investing Shs 500 million in 25 community projects across Uganda. The programme focuses on economic empowerment, education, health, environmental protection, as well as water and sanitation.
The initiative is implemented by MTN Uganda, whose Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said the programme is designed to create sustainable, community-driven impact.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, as well as access to opportunities that improve livelihoods and transform communities,” Mulinge said.
“Through the Changemakers initiative, we are supporting individuals and organisations already creating solutions within their communities,” she added.
Launched three years ago under the MTN Foundation, the Changemakers initiative has so far funded more than 50 projects, with over Shs 1 billion invested and more than 235,000 beneficiaries reached.
Leaders in Mukono District welcomed the support, noting that it will strengthen local enterprise development and skills training.
“This partnership demonstrates how private sector support can complement government efforts in promoting skills development and economic empowerment at the community level,” said Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament-elect, Sheilah Amaniyo.
Sherifa Peace Barry, chairperson of Nyenje Voice Saving Association, said the equipment will significantly improve both training and production capacity.
“This support will enable us to train more people and increase production, which translates into better incomes for our members. We are committed to maintaining the equipment and reinvesting proceeds to ensure sustainability,” she said.
The association currently has about 100 active members and plans to enrol more community beneficiaries. In addition to baking, it offers training in hairdressing, welding, and poultry keeping.
The Mukono handover follows a similar engagement in Nakasongola District earlier this week under the same initiative.
In Nakasongola, sewing machines and fabric worth Shs 20 million were donated to the Migeera Women Centre of Influence, affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to expand its vocational training programme, which currently serves 60 students.
The initiative specifically targets women, including vulnerable groups such as sex workers, equipping them with tailoring and entrepreneurship skills.
The programme prioritises scalable, community-led initiatives aimed at driving inclusive growth and shared value.
