MTN Uganda participated in the World Autism Awareness Day commemoration, joining the Autism Society of Uganda and other stakeholders in a solidarity walk in Kampala.
The event aimed to raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of policy support, access to specialized services, and increased societal awareness.
Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda’s CEO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering social and economic inclusion for individuals with autism.
Mulinge shared her recent experience visiting Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality, where MTN Uganda provided vocational skills equipment to empower children with autism and their vulnerable parents.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one out of 100 children worldwide suffers from autism, with Uganda’s prevalence standing at 88 people per 10,000. The central region has the highest number of autistic individuals, with 106,749 cases.
Dorothy Nambi, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Uganda, emphasized the need to recognize neurodiversity as an asset rather than a limitation. “Achieving this requires a concerted effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and businesses,” she said.
MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility programs prioritize initiatives that advance empowerment and inclusion, aligning with its Ambition 2025 Strategy. The company seeks to ensure that individuals with autism are acknowledged, supported, and provided with opportunities to maximize their potential.
World Autism Awareness Day, held annually on April 2, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to promote autism awareness globally.
