MTN restores 50 hectares of forest cover in Masaka 

MTN Uganda, has restored 50 hectares of forest cover in the Masaka-based Jubiya Central Forest Reserve, as the company rolls out its reforestation project that will see 220 hectares restored across the country.

The reforestation drive is part of MTN’s “Uganda is Home” campaign that symbolises MTN’s deepening of its roots in Uganda, a country that has been home to the company since 1998.

The campaign is a precursor to MTN Uganda’s listing of 20% of its shares on the Uganda Stock Exchange, an opportunity for Ugandans to own a part of the company.

The Masaka reforestation activity follows a successful launch of the project at the Entebbe-based Kyewaga CFR last week where 20 hectares of forest cover was restored by MTN.

While launching the Jubiya CFR restoration project in Masaka today, Joseph Bogera, the MTN General Manager for Sales and Distribution said that MTN Uganda has over the years established its roots in Uganda and that the reforestation project was purely a symbolism of the company deepening its roots in a country that has become home to the company that is preparing to list 20% of its shares on the Uganda Stock Exchange.

"Uganda has been and continues to be a good home to MTN. For this reason, we are honoured to further deepen our roots across the country as MTN gets listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, a move that will enable Ugandans to also own a part of the biggest company in the country," Bogera said.

The Jubiya CFR reforestation drive was presided over by Buddu County Chief,  Jude Muleke as the guest of honour.

Muleke said MTN’s commitment to the development of Uganda builds a strong bond between the people of Uganda and in particular, the people of Masaka.

"Let us together thank MTN Uganda in partnership with NFA for coming up with such a wise initiative that calls us to mind to treat mother nature considering the needs for our generation and generations to come,"he said.

Mbalire Ssebugwawo, the Sango bay regional manager at NFA, who represented the executive director lauded MTN for choosing forest restoration as part of its corporate social responsibility.

"The Uganda is home campaign comes at the right time when government has renewed commitment to ensure the country’s heritage through conservation. Our strategy is through involvement through partnerships with the private sector to restore the degraded landscape in the country," he noted.

According to NFA, the decision by MTN to invest in forest restoration though a reforestation campaign is indicative of the value the telecom attaches to the environment.