By Mark Kawalya
MTN Uganda launched a drive to embrace the use of renewable energy by connecting all its network sites to the hydroelectric grid. With over 3000 network sites spread across the country, this undertaking will cut the firms reliance on fossil fuels reducing the firm’s carbon footprint,
The company is focusing on enhancing efficiency and, in line with ESG goals, on using the planet’s resources sustainably. MTN Uganda has entered into a partnership with Ubuntu Towers Uganda and American Tower Company (ATC) to configure 250 network sites countrywide to the hydroelectric grid this year. This is in line with the company’s bid to cut down on the use of fossil fuels in its day-to-day operations with the hope of becoming totally emissions free by 2040.
As a company, MTN Uganda holds the belief that its growth and operations should not degrade the environment and that it can achieve its long-term goals sustainably.
Andrew Bugembe, MTN Uganda’s Acting Chief Executive Officer noted that MTN Uganda has put in place a science-based target of reaching a 47% average reduction in absolute emissions, which translates to tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent due to scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2030.
Scope 1 deals with direct emissions from owned and controlled sources, while Scope 2 covers indirect emissions such as those from the generation of purchased electricity, heating and cooling, steam, and those involved in a company’s operations. Scope 3 covers all the other indirect emissions generated by a company throughout its value chain.
“Climate change is one of the greatest threats to humanity in recent times, and MTN Uganda has a big part to play in fighting this global crisis,” Bugembe said.
He noted that this bold step by MTN brings a great opportunity to implement the company’s vision of creating shared value for its stakeholders by making conscious economic, social, and environmental practices.
According to information from the UN, the earth is set to experience sharp increases in temperatures above a key danger point unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced at a rate faster than what countries have agreed.
