The successful conclusion of Ekisaakaate Kya Nnabagereka Gatonnya 2026 on January 10th marks a defining moment in the long-standing alliance between cultural heritage and corporate innovation.
Under the visionary leadership of Her Royal Highness the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and with the robust support of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited (MTN MoMo), this year’s program held at Hormisdallen School, Gayaza, has set a new benchmark for youth empowerment in East Africa.
The 2026 theme, “Roots of Resilience: Embracing Obuntubulamu for Mental Wellness,” addressed a critical modern paradox: how to stay grounded in traditional African virtues while navigating an increasingly digital and emotionally complex world.
The Numbers Behind the Impact
MTN MoMo’s involvement in Ekisaakaate is not merely a sponsorship; it is a strategic investment in Uganda’s human capital. In 2026, the partnership reached new heights through a multi-faceted contribution that included:
Financial Commitment: A total of Shs80 million (consisting of Shs15 million at launch and Shs65 million for camp execution).
Technological Infrastructure: Deployment of the MTN Internet Bus to provide on-site coding workshops and digital skilling.
Hardware Support: Donation of 20 laptops and 13 mobile phones to facilitate ongoing digital learning.
Mentorship: Direct engagement from the MTN Women@Work team, focusing on emotional resilience and career confidence.
Obuntubulamu Meets the Digital Age
The genius of the 2026 Ekisaakaate lay in its ability to fuse the ancient philosophy of Obuntubulamu or humanity, which encompasses respect, empathy, and integrity, with 21st-century technical skills.
While traditional ‘fireside’ sessions taught the Basakaate (youth participants) about cultural identity and self-worth, partners like Pink Code and Burn Radio (facilitated by MTN MoMo) led sessions on:
Coding and Digital Skilling: Demystifying technology as a career path.
Cyber-Safety: Teaching responsible digital citizenship and protecting oneself from online bullying.
Mental Wellness: Breaking the stigma around emotional struggles and fostering peer-to-peer support.
“MTN MoMo has greatly enhanced our ability to deliver on this year’s Ekisaakaate promise of integrating culture with technology. Participants have had a hands-on experience of envisioning their culture in the digital space,” Andrew Adrian Mukiibi, the Manager, Nnabagereka Development Foundation, said.
Voices of Leadership
At the closing ceremony, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, reminded the youth that resilience begins at home. He emphasised that the values of Obuntubulamu are the ultimate armour against the mental health challenges of the modern era.
For MTN MoMo, the partnership aligns perfectly with their “Power to Be More” ethos. Stephen Mutana, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at MTN MoMo, reiterated that empowering the youth to realise their full potential is a core pillar of the organisation’s community mandate.
“The Ekisaakaate Kya Nnabagereka is a powerful platform for shaping resilient, confident and value-driven young people. As MTN MoMo, we are honoured to partner with the Nnabagereka Development Foundation and the Buganda Kingdom in supporting conversations around mental wellness, culture and digital empowerment. This partnership reflects our belief in The Power to Be More, and we remain committed to walking this journey with the Kingdom for years to come,” Mutana said.
Why This Partnership Matters for Uganda
As the 2026 general elections approach, programs like Ekisaakaate provide a much-needed stabiliser for the youth. By combining the social license of the Buganda Kingdom with the technological reach of MTN MoMo, Uganda is creating a unique blueprint for development: one where the “roots” are cultural, but the ‘branches’ are digital.