TOA Uganda, MTN expand connectivity in West Nile

TowerCo of Africa (TOA) Uganda hosted MTN Uganda at its Abira site in Arua District on 14 May 2026 as part of MTN Uganda’s FreeYOFire activities in the West Nile region

The engagement marked the official launch of MTN Uganda’s network on infrastructure operated by TOA, highlighting the role of TowerCos in supporting connectivity expansion and digital inclusion.

Connectivity has become an important foundation for modern economies, enabling access to essential services, information, and economic opportunities. In Uganda, this is particularly evident in the West Nile region, where digital adoption is increasing through mobile money, online education, public e-services, digital commerce, and instant communication.

Located in north-western Uganda, the West Nile region is strategically positioned between the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The region serves as an important centre for trade flows, human mobility, and cross-border economic activity, with Arua acting as a growing regional hub.

The increasing use of digital services has created greater demand for reliable telecommunications networks. However, challenges remain in expanding network coverage and improving service quality, particularly between urban and rural areas. Telecommunications infrastructure therefore plays an important role in supporting digital access and reducing connectivity gaps.

MTN Uganda’s FreeYOFire initiative focuses on connecting technology with community needs by promoting awareness, encouraging digital service adoption, and highlighting the opportunities created by digitalisation. The Abira event brought together operators, partners, and communities to demonstrate the role of connectivity in everyday life.

The Abira site represents a key infrastructure point in MTN Uganda’s network expansion strategy in the region. The activation of MTN’s network on TOA’s infrastructure supports the delivery of mobile services by providing the necessary foundation for signal coverage, communication continuity, and increasing network capacity.

TowerCo of Africa plays an important role in the telecommunications ecosystem through the provision and management of passive infrastructure, including telecom towers, pylons and masts, technical sites, power supply systems, and infrastructure maintenance and security.

The TowerCo model is built around infrastructure sharing, allowing mobile operators to focus on delivering services while TowerCos support infrastructure deployment, availability, and optimisation. This approach enables better utilisation of existing infrastructure, faster network deployment, and improved efficiency across the telecom sector.

The partnership between TOA Uganda and MTN Uganda demonstrates how collaboration between telecom operators and infrastructure providers can support the continued growth of digital connectivity in Uganda. Through initiatives such as the Abira site launch, the companies are contributing to efforts aimed at expanding access to reliable digital services and supporting the country’s digital transformation.