ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni met with MTN Group officials at State House on Tuesday, urging the South African telecommunications giant to broaden its investment in Uganda’s economy.
Museveni expressed satisfaction with MTN’s growth in Uganda since its inception, recalling the early days of mobile communication. He emphasized the importance of investing in sectors that create jobs and boost incomes, arguing that increased purchasing power drives demand for telecommunication services.
“If people have jobs and incomes, they will buy more phones and use them more,” Museveni said. “That’s why we must invest in the four key sectors of wealth and job creation: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT.”
He stressed the need for cross-border investment to enhance regional integration and economic growth, encouraging MTN to explore ways to strengthen intra-African trade.
Museveni also discussed Uganda’s economic transformation, noting the challenge of moving citizens from subsistence farming to a money economy. He cited increased coffee and milk production as evidence of rural transformation.
He addressed property fragmentation due to inheritance, calling it a barrier to wealth creation, and encouraged Ugandans to adopt capitalist models of shared asset management.
Reflecting on Uganda’s development, Museveni contrasted it with South Africa, noting Uganda’s favorable climate and dual rainy seasons created different socio-economic conditions.
“In South Africa, many Africans were already involved in agriculture, but here in Uganda, life was so easy that people remained in subsistence farming,” he said.
Museveni encouraged MTN to explore manufacturing partnerships and capitalize on Africa’s emerging trade opportunities.
MTN Group Chairman Jonas Mcebisi reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Uganda and praised the government’s support.
“We just came today to say thank you very much for the support you have always given us,” Mcebisi said. “We are here for the long haul.”
Mcebisi expressed interest in strengthening business ties between Uganda and South Africa, noting opportunities for Ugandan businesses in the South African market. He said MTN has 22 million customers in Uganda, with 12 million using smartphones, and serves 297 million customers globally.
Attendees included Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi and Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo.
