MTN, Partners Donate Equipment, Install 20KW Solar System at Kiyunga Health Centre IV

MTN Uganda Chief Executive Sylvia Mulinge said the activities are part of the company's annual Y’ello Care campaign

MTN Uganda and its partners have supported Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District with medical equipment, a 20-kilowatt hybrid solar system and community services to improve healthcare delivery.

MTN Uganda and its partners have donated medical equipment and installed a 20-kilowatt hybrid solar power system at Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District as part of efforts to improve healthcare services in the area.

The support was delivered under MTN’s annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, which also saw hundreds of residents receive free medical services during a health camp at the facility.

MTN staff and partners also participated in community activities, including cleaning the health centre and planting trees around the facility.

MTN Uganda Chief Executive Sylvia Mulinge said the activities are part of the company's annual Y’ello Care campaign, through which staff volunteer their time and resources to support communities where MTN customers live.

Mulinge said MTN Uganda and its partners plan to provide support worth about Shs600 million to communities in four districts this year—Luuka, Bunyangabu, Gomba and Amudat.

The other beneficiary facilities are Kibiito Health Centre IV in Bunyangabu District, Maddu Health Centre IV in Gomba District and Karita Health Centre IV in Amudat District.

She said the initiative was implemented in partnership with some of MTN’s vendors, including American Tower Corporation (ATC), which donated the hybrid solar power system.

“The whole purpose of Y’ello Care is for our staff to come and volunteer and serve the communities where our customers live,” Mulinge said.

She said this year's campaign is focused on healthcare and equitable access to essential services.

The newly installed solar system is expected to address power challenges at Kiyunga Health Centre IV, particularly in critical areas such as the theatre and maternity wards.

The intervention comes as the health centre faces growing demand for its services while operating with limited resources.

Luuka District health officials said the facility receives approximately 3,000 patients every month, putting pressure on its infrastructure, equipment and human resources.

The facility in-charge, Dr Gideon Mukama, commended MTN and its partners for selecting Kiyunga Health Centre IV for the intervention.

Mukama said the donated equipment would strengthen the capacity of health workers and improve the quality of services provided to patients.

The equipment includes delivery beds, oxygen concentrators and autoclaves, alongside the hybrid solar power system.

He said reliable electricity would allow the facility to put several pieces of equipment into use.

“Some of the equipment we have is not in use, not because it is not functional, but because of inadequate power. We are optimistic that the power system we have received will help us run this equipment and consequently improve the services we offer,” Mukama said.

The intervention also included support for Village Health Teams (VHTs). The facility received 10 bicycles to improve the mobility of VHTs, as well as smartphones to support data entry under the integrated health information system.

Despite the new support, district officials said the growing number of patients requires a broader government intervention.

Dr Christopher Wandira, the Luuka District Health Officer, called on the relevant authorities to consider upgrading Kiyunga Health Centre IV to a district hospital.

Wandira said the upgrade would enable the facility to offer additional specialised services and improve its infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.

“A district hospital comes with a number of services and infrastructure vital in improving service delivery,” Wandira said.

District authorities said upgrading the facility would complement support from development partners and enable Kiyunga Health Centre IV to respond more effectively to the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The 21 Days of Y’ello Care is an annual MTN initiative through which the company and its partners engage in community service and social-impact activities across Uganda.