MTN Uganda Partners with Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association to Enhance Digital Infrastructure in Hospitality Sector

Published on August 8, 2025

MTN Uganda has entered into a strategic partnership with the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA), aiming to transform Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sectors through digital innovation. The agreement, formalised by a memorandum of understanding (MoU), sets the stage for the integration of mobile finance tools and advanced digital services across more than 780 hotels in the country. This collaboration is poised to modernise hotel operations and improve service delivery for both domestic and international guests.

A Shift Toward Digital Services

The collaboration brings together MTN’s mobile money division, MTN MoMo, and its enterprise technology unit, with a shared vision of enhancing the overall guest experience. MTN’s MoMo will primarily focus on digitising payment processes, enabling hotels to accept mobile money transactions for bookings, bills, and other services. Meanwhile, MTN’s enterprise tech division will offer essential services such as stable internet connectivity, cloud-based management tools, and Wi-Fi services for both staff and guests.

MTN Uganda’s shift toward offering technology-driven solutions, as part of its Ambition 2025 plan, is expected to improve not only the hospitality industry but also expand its reach beyond traditional telecom services. The focus is to build deeper ties with key sectors like tourism, which have been identified as vital to the country’s economic growth.

Impact on Uganda’s Hospitality Industry

Uganda’s tourism sector is crucial for the country’s economy, with hotels being the backbone of this industry. Many of these establishments, however, still rely on outdated cash-based transaction systems and often face connectivity challenges. As a result, the efficiency of hotel operations and service quality has often been hindered.

With MTN’s new partnership, hotel owners are set to benefit from an array of digital tools designed to streamline their operations. By implementing these innovations, hotels can expect smoother transactions, better connectivity, and enhanced operational efficiency. In addition, hotel staff and guests alike will enjoy improved internet access, enabling a more seamless experience for international tourists and local visitors.

This transformation comes at a critical time for Uganda’s hospitality industry, which has struggled to keep up with the growing demands of a more digitally connected global market. The introduction of these digital payment systems and tech tools is expected to elevate Uganda’s position in the competitive global tourism market.

The Role of MTN MoMo in Digital Transformation

A significant component of this partnership is the digitisation of payment systems through MTN MoMo. This mobile money service allows hotels to integrate mobile payments into their operations, making it easier for guests to pay for bookings, bills, and other services. The introduction of mobile payments is particularly important in Uganda, where cash transactions have traditionally been the norm. This shift to digital payments will not only enhance convenience for tourists but also improve revenue collection for hotels, as mobile money services have become increasingly popular in East Africa.

MTN MoMo’s involvement is part of the company’s broader strategy to increase mobile money adoption, thereby fostering financial inclusion across various sectors. For UHOA members, the adoption of mobile payments represents a significant leap forward, positioning hotels to better cater to the needs of the modern traveller.

Enterprise Tech Unit: Bringing Stability to Hotel Operations

In addition to mobile payments, MTN’s enterprise technology unit will provide business-grade internet packages, voice and data solutions, and cloud software tailored specifically for the hospitality sector. These services are designed to meet the daily operational needs of hotels, enabling them to improve service delivery, enhance customer satisfaction, and manage bookings and other critical functions efficiently.

The importance of reliable internet and cloud-based tools cannot be overstated in the hospitality industry. In a world where connectivity is crucial for communication, customer experience, and operational efficiency, MTN’s offerings will provide the necessary infrastructure to support Uganda’s hotels as they grow and modernise.

Future Plans and Sector-Wide Consultation

Both MTN and UHOA have emphasised that this partnership is only the beginning. A sector-wide consultation will be conducted to identify specific technology challenges within Uganda’s hotel industry, allowing MTN to adapt its offerings based on the unique needs of each establishment. This approach ensures that the solutions provided are tailored to the realities of Uganda’s hospitality market.

Additionally, the partnership plans to involve tourism agencies and tour operators in the future. This collaboration will help extend digital infrastructure to the broader tourism sector, further boosting Uganda’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Addressing the Digital Divide in Uganda’s Hospitality Sector

One of the key challenges Uganda faces is the digital divide, particularly in its rural areas. Many smaller hotels lack access to the modern tools and services that larger, international chains benefit from. This gap has hindered growth and limited the ability of smaller establishments to compete on a global scale. By providing digital infrastructure, MTN aims to bridge this divide, ensuring that all hotels, regardless of size, can benefit from the same technologies that drive efficiency and improve the customer experience.

The rollout of these services also aligns with MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility goals, helping to foster economic development through digital inclusion. By equipping local businesses with the tools they need to succeed, MTN is not only enhancing the hospitality sector but also contributing to Uganda’s broader economic growth.

A Step Towards a Digital Future for Uganda’s Tourism

MTN Uganda and the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association have teamed up to bring Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector into the digital age. By rolling out seamless payment solutions, dependable internet coverage, and cloud management tools, MTN is making the country a smarter, more connected place for visitors from around the world.

Ongoing talks and planned rollouts mean this project can elevate Uganda’s profile in the global tourism market. Hotels, the wider travel sector, and the national economy will all share in the gains. This collaboration is more than a partnership; it is a key step in Uganda’s digital journey, using technology to improve every aspect of the travel experience.

Image Credit: MTN Group Official Website