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Kampala, Uganda: Thousands of mothers from Otwal Sub County in Oyam District today received items ranging from farming tools to personal hygiene, worth over UGX 67 million as part of the Mama Bag Kit, assembled with proceeds from last year’s MTN Kampala Marathon.
The Mama Bag Kit, an initiative of Uganda Red Cross and MTN, has over the years committed to assisting this cause through funds raised from corporate participation during the annual sporting event. Since its inception five years ago, the MTN Kampala Marathon has raised over UGX 121.5 million which has gone to assist over 8,500 expectant mothers in various parts of conflict affected Northern Uganda.
Now in its 6th year, the event has become a national favorite for not only keeping fit but more importantly as a rallying point for raising money to respond to worthy causes throughout the country. Form a humble beginning of only 6,000 participants the MTN Kampala Marathon has grown to attract international stature and crowds in excess of 10,000 last year. This year the targeted number of participants is 15,000.
“As market leaders in our category, MTN has the responsibility of spearheading initiatives aimed at addressing the plight of the less fortunate in society and we are grateful that corporate companies and people from all walks of life come to join us each year during the marathon to makes this possible” said Richard Mwami, MTN’s General Manager for Public Access during the distribution of the kits.
He added that the MTN Kampala Marathon transcends competition to touch the very heart of the nation’s conscience which drives the need to take action in order to safeguard and improve the welfare of its citizens. “The MTN Kampala Marathon draws participation from the youngest to the oldest, male and female, from across the social economic divide to experience a truly unique moment of togetherness to tackle a common cause.”
Speaking during the same occasion, Uganda Red Cross Secretary General, Michael Nataka said this year’s choice of Otwal Sub County was decided upon due to the biting poverty in an area just recovering from the results of prolonged conflict in Northern Uganda. “Most of the people here are unable to meet the basic needs and therefore cannot afford the basic requirements for giving birth”. Because of this, the area has a high infant mortality rate. A recent survey of the area also shows a high rate of teenage pregnancies which complicates the situation because of lack of basic primary healthcare facilities.
Nataka lauded MTN and all the corporate organizations such as Stanbic Bank and DFCU Bank amongst others that participate in the MTN Kampala Marathon for their commitment to help the less fortunate. “Our partnership with MTN goes back a long way and recently we were with them in the Katakwi area to distribute foodstuff to the people of Teso who are affected by the drought. This is testimony that MTN is not only a great business organization but also endowed with a big heart.”
The MTN Kampala Marathon is arguably the biggest event in Uganda’s sporting calendar, attracting thousands of serious and fun loving runners all committed to raising money for the less fortunate. This year’s event is scheduled to take place on November 22nd 2009.
About the MTN GROUP
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN". As at 30 September 2009, MTN recorded 108,4 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Please visit www.mtn.com andwww.mtnfootball.com
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