MTN Hands Over Refurbished Mpanga Market to Boost Trade, Security

What the report says

Nile Post reports that MTN Uganda has handed over a refurbished Mpanga Market in Fort Portal City after a facelift intended to improve cleanliness, safety and connectivity for traders and customers. The ceremony took place on Saturday alongside National Clean-Up Campaign activities and was attended by government officials, Fort Portal City leaders, vendors and MTN staff.

According to the report, the upgrade included refreshed market branding, a modern public address system, MTN Managed Wi-Fi and smart surveillance systems. MTN Uganda said the work was designed to strengthen communication within the market, improve internet access and support security. Mpanga Market is described as the largest permanent market in Fort Portal City and Kabarole District, serving thousands of people daily. It was originally built by the Government of Uganda under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme, with African Development Bank funding.

MTN Uganda General Manager for Sales and Distribution Joseph Bogera said the company sees markets as important centres of everyday economic activity and wants to invest in the environments where its customers do business, not only in telecom services. Nile Post also reported that Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi welcomed the refurbishment, especially the security cameras, saying they would help address theft and improve safety for traders and shoppers.

The handover also included recognition of merchants supporting digital adoption, product demonstrations and customer engagement activities. MTN said the Mpanga project follows similar market improvements in Jinja, Hoima and Mbarara, and forms part of its wider Ambition 2030 strategy focused on connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure across Africa.