As part of their effort to boost ICTs in communities, the MTN Foundation, a CSR arm of MTN Uganda, has set up a fully equipped computer lab at a public library in the Moroto Municipal Council.
The facility comes with new computers, a 24-hour power backup, and internet connectivity courtesy of the MTN Digital Access Program. In addition, the MTN Internet Bus under the digital literacy program will camp in Moroto Municipality for two weeks to provide the skills and knowledge required to take advantage of the ICT skills required.
Bryan Mbasa, the Senior Manager of MTN Uganda Foundation said public libraries play an important role in the development of a community, and therefore equipping them [communities] with computer labs is crucial for people’s access to information.
“MTN Uganda believes that everyone deserves a modern connected life and this computer lab resonates well with our aspiration,” said Mbasa. “Public libraries are now seen as more than storehouses of books; they are also responsible for the dissemination of online, and offline information.”
Mbasa says that public access computers are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more people understand the need for internet access —adding that the Moroto public library will be beneficial to both learners and researchers.
Ismail Mohammed, the mayor of Moroto Municipality said the new computers with internet connectivity will go a long way in transforming learning and research in the Karamoja sub-region. “We thank MTN Foundation for modernizing our library as well as making sure that we have more content for the public.”
Over the years, MTN Foundation has supported over 42 ICT labs including six in technical institutes like Amelo Technical Institute located in Adjuman District, St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre in Hoima District, and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in Moroto District in partnership with the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel.
MTN Uganda is playing a part in the country’s digital transformation. Currently, the government is fast-tracking its 2040 digital vision to empower its citizens to achieve the goals of universal inclusion, sustainable development, economic progress, and poverty eradication through digital innovation combining initiatives across multiple sectors.
