The MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of MTN Uganda, is embarking on a new strategic phase following the appointment of two of Uganda’s most respected professionals, Allen Kagina and Francis Gimara, to its Board of Directors.
This move is a powerful signal of the Foundation’s commitment to deepening its impact and strengthening its governance, leveraging the vast experience of these leaders to drive a more strategic and sustainable social development agenda.
The appointment brings together a unique blend of public service and legal expertise.
Kagina’s Proven Public Service Track Record
Widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most transformative public administrators, Kagina has a reputation for turning around struggling institutions and instilling a culture of efficiency and accountability. Her illustrious career includes a decade-long tenure as Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where she is credited with massively increasing tax revenue and professionalising the institution.
She then served as the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), where she led a sweeping reform that restructured the organisation and improved service delivery.
Kagina’s proven track record in leading large-scale, complex organisations with integrity makes her an invaluable asset to the Foundation.
Francis Gimara is a Legal Titan
A distinguished Senior Counsel and prominent figure in Uganda’s legal fraternity, Gimara brings a wealth of knowledge in corporate governance, law, and arbitration.
He is a former President of the Uganda Law Society, where he championed the rule of law and pushed for reforms in the legal profession.
As a founder and head of ALP Advocates, he has extensive experience in regional integration law and advising on complex cross-border transactions. Gimara’s legal acumen and strong governance background are crucial for ensuring the Foundation’s projects are robust, transparent, and aligned with national and international standards.
What This Means for MTN Foundation
The collective expertise of Kagina and Gimara is set to usher in a new era for the MTN Foundation. Their combined skills will be instrumental in:
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
With Kagina’s background in public sector reforms and Gimara’s legal and governance experience, the Foundation is set to enhance its oversight mechanisms, ensuring that every project is executed with the highest levels of transparency and financial prudence. This will build greater trust with stakeholders and the public.
Scaling Social Impact
Kagina’s expertise in managing large-scale, nationwide projects will enable the Foundation to expand the reach and impact of its key initiatives in education, health, and youth empowerment. Her strategic approach to institutional change will be vital in ensuring projects are not just successful in the short term but also sustainable for the long run.
Forging Strategic Partnerships
Gimara’s experience in regional law and his network within the legal and business communities will be key to establishing strong, policy-aligned partnerships. This could help the Foundation navigate regulatory landscapes more effectively and co-create solutions with both public and private sector partners to tackle pressing social challenges.
In a statement, the MTN Foundation expressed its honour, noting that Kagina and Gimara’s collective expertise, leadership, and passion for social impact will be instrumental in guiding the Foundation’s strategic direction.
The appointments of Kagina and Gimara are not just additions to a board; they are a strategic investment in the future, signalling a renewed commitment to using corporate social responsibility to drive meaningful, lasting change in Uganda.