MTN MoMo and KCCA support women city cleaners during Ramadhan

By Shahista Namale

For Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadhan is not only a time of fasting and prayer, but also a season marked by generosity and compassion.

Islamic tradition teaches that the rewards for good deeds are multiplied during Ramadhan. For this reason, many individuals and organizations use the month to extend help to the less fortunate.

It was in this spirit that MTN Mobile Money Uganda joined hands with the Kampala Capital City Authority to support women who play a key role in keeping the city clean.

MTN MoMo distributed Ramadhan alms to 100 women city cleaners working under KCCAin a function at the City Hall. The beneficiaries were drawn from different operational teams, including road maintenance crews, enforcement units and gardening teams responsible for maintaining public spaces across the city.

The women received essential food supplies to help support their families during Ramadhan. The donated items included wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar and spaghetti.

Recognising the unsung heroes

Speaking during the event, Peter Ocen, General Manager for Financial Operations at MTN MoMo, said the initiative was meant to recognize the dedication and resilience of the women who help keep Kampala clean every day.

“These are not just road workers. They are mothers, caregivers and pillars of their families. Their work contributes directly to the dignity and cleanliness of our city,” Ocen said.

He noted that many of these women begin their work in the early hours of the morning, long before the city fully wakes up.

“When we support them, we are not only supporting individuals. We are supporting entire families and communities that depend on them,” he added.

For the leadership of Kampala, the event highlighted the growing role of partnerships between public institutions and the private sector in improving urban services.

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki welcomed the gesture and called for deeper collaboration between the city authority and MTN Mobile Money.

According to Buzeki, there are several areas where the telecom company could support KCCA’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for city residents.

“There is a lot we can work on together. From waste management and garbage sorting to developing proper bus stop shelters that improve mobility and comfort for people using public transport,” she said.

She explained that Kampala continues to face challenges associated with rapid urban growth, including waste disposal, traffic congestion and the need for improved public infrastructure. Partnerships with private companies can help address these challenges more effectively.

Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, also attended the event and expressed gratitude to MTN Mobile Money for recognising the contribution of women city cleaners.

Lukwago noted that many of these workers carry out physically demanding tasks under challenging conditions, yet their efforts often receive little public recognition.

“Thank you for thinking about these women who go through a lot in their work,” Lukwago said. “Supporting them is a meaningful gesture that shows appreciation for the service they render to the city.”

He added that city cleaners are essential to maintaining Kampala’s image as a clean and organized capital. Without their dedication, he said, it would be difficult for the city authority to maintain basic sanitation standards.

Developments in city infrastructure

Lukwago also provided an update on the ongoing construction of Philip Omondi Stadium, revealing that the project is progressing well.

The stadium, once completed, is expected to play a key role in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

According to the Lord Mayor, the facility is being upgraded to meet international standards and will help position Kampala as a major venue for continental sporting events.

Despite these developments, Lukwago raised concerns about what he described as a significant reduction in the city authority’s proposed budget.

He said the government had reduced KCCA’s proposed Shs 912 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to Shs 720 billion, a move he warned could affect the authority’s ability to deliver key services.