New sustainability reporting guidelines have been developed that require companies to regularly disclose how their operations contribute to the well-being of people and the environment, in addition to generating profits. This is part of ensuring that business operations move away from profitability as the sole purpose of their existence, to also focus on the sustainability of the communities in which they operate and protect the environment for future generations.
The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) says that robust sustainability reporting contributes to stronger capital markets and builds trust among investors and stakeholders, and that therefore, transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices are critical pillars for sustainable economic growth.
Paul Bwiso, the Chief Executive Officer, USE, says the new guidance is not aimed at deepening regulation but to help companies reach the markets with better and more relevant information that is vital for attracting capital or new investors.
This comes as companies listed on the stock market continue to release their annual or half-year reports, with some showing strong performance in terms of profits, while some report losses for various reasons.
Specifically for telecommunication companies, the good financial performances come with growth in revenues, subscriber bases, and subscriptions for mobile money and data services. In celebrating their achievements, companies are urged to also name the achievements for their communities.
Charles Mbire, a top Ugandan investor, says strong governance is the foundation of sustainable growth, adding that, through enhanced oversight, transparent reporting, and alignment with globally recognised sustainability standards, companies create long-term value for shareholders, customers, and the community.
He was speaking at the release of MTN Uganda’s Sustainability Report for 2025, the first time that the company was applying the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2). MTN subscriber base 24.2 million in 2025, while active mobile money users were recorded at 14.7 million.
Total loan values disbursed through the MTN MoMo platform amounted to 2.7 trillion shillings, while the borrowers were 3.4 million. While these are mainly small-denomination loans, Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda CEO, says the number of borrowers reflects the importance of the product through which people get to solve short-term financial needs.
She acknowledges that access alone is not enough to celebrate, but what the money actually does in improving the lives of the people. She adds that this also goes a long way in creating confidence amongst the customers, especially in times of uncertainty over climate change, geopolitics, and politics in individual countries, when a company can be relied upon for support.
At the end of the year, active MoMo merchants were 114,800, while a total of 50.9 billion shillings in interest was paid to customers on MoMo. The MTN Mobile Money platforms facilitated more than 5 billion transactions valued at 195.5 trillion shillings. “Beyond the scale of these numbers is a deeper impact: enabling safer, more convenient and more accessible financial participation for individuals, small businesses and communities across the country,” says Mulinge.
The company has set a target to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2030, having reduced emissions by 45 percent through interventions like installation of solar panels at its stations, among others.
“Ambition 2030 is our blueprint for building a more connected, inclusive and sustainable future. By placing sustainability at the heart of our strategy, we are expanding digital access, fostering innovation and creating lasting value for our customers, communities and the country. Together, we are shaping a future where no one is left behind,” she says.
One of the firms that audit sustainability reports and financial statements is KPMG. Associate Director, Benson Mwesigwa, says when companies do not care about their environment and the people, it erodes the value of the company. This means that even prospective financiers or investors find it hard to put their money into it-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
