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Three years ago, MTN Uganda embarked on an ambitious project to restore 220 hectares of forest cover. The initiative was part of a larger campaign, “Uganda is my home,” to celebrate the symbiotic relationship between MTN Uganda and the Ugandan people and reinforce the company’s commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic well-being.
MTN Uganda’s forest restoration program is more than just a symbolic gesture, it is a tangible commitment to Uganda’s environmental and socio-economic development. Three years later, the program aligns with the 2024 World Environment Day theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” highlighting the critical importance of reforestation for a sustainable future.
Released in Kewaga Central Forest Reserve In Entebbe, the project was carried out in partnership with the National Forestry Agency. The reforestation effort aimed to restore forest cover in the country’s five Central Forest Reserves (CFRs): Balifa CFR in Arua, Kagombe CFR in Kibale, Jubia CFR in Masaka and Ogera Hills CFR in Serere District. The project symbolized the company’s then 22 years of presence in Uganda, with each 10 hectares representing one year of MTN’s presence in the country.
Three years into the project, the impact has been far-reaching. The restored forests have not only enhanced biodiversity, but also improved the livelihoods of local communities. Forests play a vital role in regulating climate, purifying water and protecting soil, contributing to overall environmental health and people’s well-being.
MTN Uganda’s environmental protection efforts extend beyond reforestation initiatives. The company has made a decisive commitment to environmental responsibility with a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040 and has already achieved significant results through its Project Zero initiative.
This comprehensive decarbonization-focused initiative has enabled the company to more than halve its emissions in just two years.
The company achieved a significant 59% reduction in emissions in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2021. This reduction was achieved through the strategic deployment of smart energy monitoring tools, which provided valuable insights and enabled the implementation of key actions, resulting in a significant reduction in electricity consumption.
The project also targeted Tower Co sites, which reduced emissions by 15% despite adding more than 1,000 sites in two years. This achievement was made possible by the widespread deployment of solar energy, the integration of lithium-ion batteries and a strategic shift in primary power sources.
MTN Uganda is in the initial stages of introducing electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet, in line with the company’s wider strategy to further reduce emissions. Although still in the procurement phase, the move marks a significant step towards sustainable transport for the company.
Looking ahead, although Uganda’s geographical constraints are not at sea level, MTN Uganda is still exploring innovative solutions to harness wind energy in targeted locations.
Ongoing projects, including a wind power proof of concept (POC), are making progress, demonstrating the company’s commitment to exploring all avenues of sustainable energy.
The company’s dedication to sustainability and the continued success of its zero-emission projects underscore its leadership in the journey toward a greener future.
Today, as we celebrate World Environment Day 2024, the success of MTN’s Uganda reforestation project is a powerful reminder of the importance of ecosystem restoration. It exemplifies how corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship go hand in hand to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
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