In a move that blends urban renewal with digital transformation, MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited (MTN MoMo) this week formally handed over the newly refreshed and modernised Lira Main Market to the city’s leadership.
The project, commissioned on Friday, 19th December 2025, marks a significant milestone in MTN’s mission to transition Uganda’s traditional trading hubs into safe, efficient, and cashless commercial centers.
The ceremony was led by Lira City’s top leadership, including His Worship Mayor Sam Atul, the Resident City Commissioner Mr. Egole Lawrence, and representatives from MTN Uganda.
The physical revamp, which included a complete rebranding and painting of the facility, serves as the foundation for a deeper partnership aimed at empowering the thousands of traders who form the backbone of Lira’s economy.
Empowering the Everyday Hustle
For the vendors of Lira Main Market, the initiative is about more than just a new coat of paint. It represents a shift toward a modern trading environment where security and convenience are prioritised. By promoting the adoption of MoMoPay and digital wallets, MTN MoMo is helping traders mitigate the risks of handling physical cash, such as theft and the spread of counterfeit currency.
Mr. Peter Ochen, General Manager of Financial Operations at MTN MoMo Uganda, emphasised that the company’s investment is rooted in the success of the individual trader.
“Markets like Lira Main Market are the heartbeat of our local economy. Through this initiative, MTN MoMo is demonstrating that we are invested in the growth of traders and small businesses, not just in providing a payment platform. We are committed to enabling traders to operate in safer, more efficient, and cashless environments that support their everyday hustle,” Mr. Ochen said.
Vision for Urban Renewal and Lira City 2025
The refurbishment aligns with Lira City’s long-term goal of becoming a competitive, green, and organised commercial hub. Mayor Sam Atul lauded the partnership as a catalyst for urban pride and hygiene, noting that a clean and digitally enabled market attracts more customers and elevates the city’s status.
“Our goal is to beautify Lira City and modernise our public markets. This partnership with MTN MoMo fits well with that vision, helping us keep Lira Main Market tidy, organised, and ready for business while supporting safer and more efficient ways for traders to transact,” the Mayor said
He noted that the key benefits of the refreshed market ecosystem include:
Enhanced Security: Reduced reliance on physical cash minimises the risk of loss for both vendors and shoppers.
Streamlined Accounting: Digital transaction histories allow small business owners to track sales, manage inventory, and eventually access credit more easily.
Market by MoMo Yiino
The handover coincided with the rollout of MTN’s latest e-commerce campaign, MoMo Yiino, which connects local vendors to a wider digital audience through a trusted online marketplace.
Strategic Alignment and Ambition 2025
This initiative is a localised execution of MTN’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, which focuses on building the largest and most valuable platform business in Africa. By digitising last-mile commerce in cities like Lira, MTN is bridging the gap between traditional enterprise and the global digital economy.
The Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Egole Lawrence, noted that such public-private collaborations are the fastest way to transform livelihoods.
“When government and the private sector work together, we create real impact. This improves livelihoods and strengthens trust in modern, secure systems that benefit the entire city,” he stated.
As Lira Main Market begins its new chapter, it stands as a model for how technology and infrastructure can work in tandem to drive financial inclusion and sustainable growth across Uganda’s emerging cities.