Month: November 2022

MTN Uganda announces Shs 36million sponsorship for the Uganda National Journalism Awards

Posted on by brianmugisha

MTN Uganda has today announced Shs 36 million sponsorship for the 7th edition of Uganda National Journalism Awards, scheduled to take place on 14 December 2022 in Kampala.

The sponsorship entails a Gold package worth Shs 20 million to help in organizing the gala and cash prizes to four category winners,  1st and 2nd Runners up,  worth UGX 16 million.

The Uganda National Journalism Awards held annually since 2014, are organised by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) with sponsors and partners, to celebrate and raise the profile of journalism.

“We are thrilled to be supporting this event because we believe that the media plays a critical role in not only telling our (Uganda) story accurately both at home and abroad but also holding us accountable to those promises we make as a people in every sphere of our lives,” said Rhona Arinaitwe, Senior Manager – Corporate Communications at MTN Uganda during the award launch at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.

Arinaitwe said whereas MTN is happy to sponsor the awards, the telecom company will focus on awarding prizes to four categories of Business, Economy and Financial Reporting, Environmental Reporting, Sports Reporting and Features Reporting.

“We believe that by giving extra motivation to these categories, we will inspire more and more journalists to work even harder and present work that can compete with the best in the world thus positioning our talent to even deliver more for our country,” she said.

She said MTN Uganda as a business expects the media to tell their stories accurately and with authority, objectivity, impartiality and professionalism so that the people it serves can make informed decisions on their products and services.

Dr. George Lugalambi, the executive director at the ACME said the media fraternity is glad to receive MTN Uganda’s support towards the awards.

“We thank MTN Uganda and the other partners that have come on board to support this event,” he said. “This is the first time that we are organizing these awards with the support of the private sector.”

Dr Lugalambi reiterated that indeed the awards inspire journalists to go the extra mile to deliver stories that can contribute to the country’s social, economic and political transformation.

About the awards

The Uganda National Journalism Awards has 20 categories touching various sectors and themes including Business, Economy and Financial Reporting, Agriculture Reporting, Sports Reporting, Political Reporting, Investigative Reporting, Extractive Reporting, and Health Reporting among others.

The awards are open to all journalists, freelance or full-time and independent content creators who submit their work – print, online and broadcast – to ACME for onward transmission to judges who comprise active or former journalists and journalism educators with several decades of experience.

Entries are judged based on the accuracy of the information, initiative and originality, clarity of interpretation, storytelling ability, public benefit or impact on society, audience engagement, innovation, and the journalist’s creative flair in a given format.

Each entry is read, watched or listened to carefully and thoroughly, and assessed with the scrutiny and rigour that are expected of the most anticipated journalism awards in the country.

2022 MTN Kampala Marathon Winners Share Prize pot of Ugx.290M up from Ugx.190M

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  • The 17th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon was concluded yesterday Sunday 20th November 2022 at the Kololo independence grounds.
  • 25,000 people participated in the various categories of the Marathon including elite runners from Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan.
  • All the runners were flagged off by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt.Hon. Robina Nabbanja.
  • Proceeds of the 2022 marathon shall go towards kitting maternal and newborn facilities in four health centers across Uganda.

For the 17th time, thousands of Ugandans and people from the neighboring countries took part in the MTN Kampala Marathon (MKM) held at the Kololo independence grounds in Kampala under the theme “Run for babies”.

Following a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MTN Kampala Marathon returned bigger and better, following the winners’ cash prize increment by a whooping Ugx.100 million coupled with a l full-day experience of family entertainment.

Participants took part in a full marathon (42km), Half marathon (21km), 10km run and the 5Km fun run. All the runners were flagged off by the chief guest, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, and the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, alongside the Ministry of Health Permanent secretary, Dr. Diana Atwiine, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, and the MTN Uganda Board Chairman, Charles Mbiire.

Nabbanja thanked MTN, Uganda Athletics Federation and all the MTN Kampala marathon partners for choosing to support a noble cause while pushing Uganda’s athletics to the next level.

“After a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am happy to see that the people of Uganda are now able to participate in the beloved MTN Kampala Marathon for a noble cause. I applaud all of you for demonstrating such generosity to support the government of Uganda towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goal No3 that speaks about good health for all,” Nabbanja said.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)

Mulinge thanked all the Marathon partners including MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd, Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS Sport, KCCA-the host city and UAF-the implementing partners for making the MTN Kampala marathon possible. She also lauded all the participants who turned up to run the various races for showing support towards the noble cause of this year’s marathon.

“I thank all the ladies, gentlemen and little ones who have turned up today as we join hands to improve the status of neonatal and maternal health services in our country. In a special way I appreciate all our fellow corporate companies and service providers who have made this day a success,” Mulinge said.

As has been the norm since its inauguration in 2004, this year’s MTN Kampala Marathon was graced by an array of elite runners from the region including; Phillip Kiplimo and Joshua Chemutai Bekele from Uganda, Felichiay Faustino Oyo and Yousif Nyok Deng from South Sudan as well as Charles Kiama Munyeki from Kenya.

Ugandan athletes won all the top positions across the different categories.

In addition to medals, the top 46 winners shared a total cash prize of Ugx.290,000,000 shillings based on their races and positions, including the winners of the wheelchair race that was held last Sunday in Lugogo. This is a prize increment of Ugx.100Million up from the Ugx.190Million back in 2019.

After the prize handovers, all the runners were treated to an exciting entertainment extravaganza with a lineup of live performances from Uganda’s finest artists, dancers and comedians, as well as discounted foods and drinks courtesy of MTN MoMo Uganda Limited. The Uganda Red Cross Society, Prudential Uganda and C-Care IMC were on hand to provide relief and first aid services for free.

Below is the list of the 2022 MTN Marathon winners and what they won.

2022 MTN Kampala Marathon Winners
42Km (Full Marathon) – Men
Position Name Time Prize amount (UGX)
1 Soyekwo Chebet (Uganda) 2:17:01 42,000,000
2 Samuel Kalalei (Kenya) 2:17:20 21,000,000
3 Nassan Ayeko (Uganda) 2:18:16 10,500,000
4 Moses Kiprop (Uganda) 2:18:19 6,000,000
5 Ezekiel Kiplimo (Uganda) 2:19:13 5,000,000
6 Philip Kiplimo (Uganda) 2:19:17 4,000,000
7 Vitalis Kwemoi (Uganda) 2:19:20 2,000,000
8 Jonathan Akankwasa (Uganda) 2:20:30 1,500,000
9 Michael Mutai 2:21:20 1,000,000
10 Evan Target (Uganda) 2:21:45 500,000
42Km (Full Marathon)- Women

 
1 Juliet Chekwel (Uganda) 2:39:18 42,000,000
2 Beatrice Jepkemboi (Kenya) 2:45:20 21,000,000
3 Nelly Jepkrul (Kenya) 2:47:43 10,500,000
4 Gladys Jemeli (Uganda) 2:47:43 6,000,000
5 Emily Chebet (Uganda) 2:48:25 5,000,000
6 Hana Gute (Uganda) 2:49:17 4,000,000
7 Nancy Cheptegei (Uganda) 2:53:20 2,000,000
8 Priscilla Chelangat (Uganda) 2:54:24 1,500,000
9 Hakim Ddumba (Uganda) 2:55:56 1,000,000
10 Esther Chebet (Uganda) 3:02:13 500,000
21 KM (Half Marathon) – Men
1 Maxwell Kortex Rotich (Uganda) 1:03:34 20,000,000
2 Victor Kwemoi (Uganda) 1:04:08 10,000,000
3 Oscar Kibet (Uganda) 1:04:16 5,000,000
4 Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (Uganda) 1:04:17 2,000,000
5 Nelson Wakana (Uganda) 1:04:18 1,000,000
21 KM (Half Marathon) – Women
1 Mercilyne Chelangat (Uganda) 1:12:43 20,000,000
2 Annet Chemengich Chelangat (Uganda) 1:12:59 10,000,000
3 Julie Nantume (Uganda) 1:14:51 5,000,000
4 Apofia Naisikwe (Uganda) 1:15:26 2,000,000
5 Patience Ainembabazi (Uganda) 1:15:26 1,000,000
10KM Race – Men
1 Ali Chebures (Uganda) 0:29:32 3,000,000
2 Kevin Kibet (Uganda) 0:29:39 2,000,000
3 Dan Kibet (Uganda) 0:29:41 1,500,000
4 Denis Cherotich (Uganda) 0:29:50 1,000,000
5 Ezekiel Mutai 0:29:51 500,000
10KM Race Women
1 Lovis Niwagaba (Uganda) 0:30:31 3,000,000
2 Janat Chemusto (Uganda) 0:33:16 2,000,000
3 Belinda Chemutai (Uganda) 0:33:27 1,500,000
4 Joy Chetoyek (Uganda) 0:33:46 1,000,000
5 Winnie Nanyondo (Uganda) 0:34:42 500,000
10KM Wheelchair Race – Men
1 Richard Ocira n/a 3,000,000
2 Kevin Mubiru n/a 1,500,000
3 Brian Mugabe n/a 1,000,000
10KM Wheelchair Race – Women
1 Pauline Achai n/a 3,000,000
2 Lorna Lamono n/a 1,500,000
3 Acen Florence n/a 1,000,000

 

Visit https://sports.mtn.co.ug/2022/11/20/run-for-babies-full-list-of-2022-mtn-marathon-winners/ for the full list of the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon winners.

Elite runners to watch in the 17th edition of MTN Kampala Marathon

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  • The MTN Kampala Marathon will take place this Sunday with over 20,000 participants set to brace the streets of Kampala.
  • Elite runners to take part in the race to boost their future career prospects.
  • The marathon to be held under the theme, ‘Run for Babies’ aims to raise funds towards upgrading neonatal and maternal services in four selected health centres.
  • Since its inception in 2004, MTN Kampala Marathon has played a huge role in nurturing athletic talents across the East African region.

 

The MTN Kampala Marathon will take place this Sunday with over 20,000 participants set to take part on the streets of Kampala.

Though a huge proportion of participants will consist of the general public running purely for the cause at hand, elite runners across East Africa will take part in the races to boost their career prospects.

Uganda’s athletic champion Kiplimo Philip and Chemutai Joshua Bekele will lead his compatriots for the men’s 42 km race, pitting against their Kenyan and South Sudan counterparts Munyeki Charles Kiama, Felichay Faustino Oyo and Yousif Nyok Deng.

Sunday’s race follows a wheelchair race that was held on 13 November 2022. The marathon, now in its 17th edition, follows a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s MTN Kampala Marathon to be held under the theme, ‘Run for Babies’ aims to raise funds towards upgrading neonatal and maternal services in four selected hospitals – Kisenyi and Kawaala Health Centre IV facilities in Kampala, Kachumbala Health Centre III in the Teso sub-region, and Kaabong Mission Health Centre III in the Karamoja sub-region.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said they are honoured to have elite runners participate in the iconic marathon that is meant to save the lives of mothers and babies.

She said the participation of elite runners in the marathon will also spark excitement across the East African region and beyond.

“We, as MTN Uganda, believe that sporting activities help to build stronger communities, societies and nations by bringing people from different backgrounds together, either as participants, volunteers or spectators,” She said.

“We are, therefore, profoundly honoured to have elite runners from other countries in the region participating in this marathon. This reinforces our aspiration of not only uniting people but also providing a perfect platform for upcoming athletes to test themselves against their experienced counterparts with the hope to participate in international athletics in the future. “

Since its inception in 2004, MTN Kampala Marathon has played a huge role in nurturing athletes across East Africa.

Currently, the majority of the country’s celebrated athletes including Dorcus Inzikuri, Bonface Kiprop, Stella Chesang, Mercyline Chalangat, Stephen Kiprotich, Jacob Kiplimo, and Victor Kiplangat had their talents identified and sharpened through the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Dorcus Inzikuru participated in the inaugural MTN Kampala Marathon in 2004 and later won a gold medal in the women’s steeplechase during the World Championship in Helsinki, Finland in 2005. She had another spectacular performance in the Commonwealth Games in 2006 in Melbourne scooping a gold medal beside Bonface Kiprop.

Moses Kipsiro, a double gold medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, tested his talent during the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2008.

Stephen Kiprotich tested his running pace during the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2010 before going on to win at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. He became the second Ugandan to win Olympic Gold after John AKII-Bua in 1972.

Stella Chesang and Victor Kiplangat, too, had their talent identified during the MTN Kampala Marathon and are now world champions in athletics.

Chesang participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2014 and 2018 and won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Kiplangat participated in the 2015 MTN Kampala Marathon and won a gold medal in the men’s marathon in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at Smithfield in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Dominic Otuchet, the president of the Uganda Athletics Federation said MTN Kampala Marathon has boosted the country’s athletic sports so much so that Uganda is emerging as a strong competitor in athletics on the international stage.

“The participation of elite runners in the MTN Kampala Marathon from the region has helped raise the profile of the race and has also helped us to easily identify upcoming athletes who need support to grow their career,” he said.

Speaking at the press conference, Patrick Onyango the PRO for Kampala Metropolitan police said that they together with the traffic department will be in fully force to ensure safety at all costs for all runners and Kampala city as a whole

MTN Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Athletics Federation started the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2004 to raise funds for various causes including helping expectant mothers with maternity kits, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities and schools, and improving maternal health facilities.

NBS SPORT ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MTN TO BROADCAST LIVE THE 2022 KAMPALA MTN MARATHON

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NBS Sport, Uganda’s first-ever 24-hour sports channel, has officially announced a partnership to cover the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon slated for Sunday, 20th November. NBS Sport will also promote the event using both mainstream and online platforms through interviews. This year’s marathon, themed “Run for Babies,” will be broadcast live for Ugandans unable to partake to watch proceedings at their convenience.

Joseph Kigozi, General Manager of NBS Sport, noted that Next Media is delighted to use the biggest and only sports platform aimed at Championing Ugandan Sport to foster social change, pledging UGX 500M towards the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon.

“As the home to all sports production from golf, rugby, pool, boxing, rally, athletics, and more, we are proud to work with MTN to produce a world-class marathon but also play a role in helping mothers and babies live a better life,” Kigozi said, adding that NBS sport has been broadcasting all the MTN Kampala Marathon related news since Its return was announced early last month.

Inaugurated in 2004, the MTN Kampala Marathon has been a mainstay on the Ugandan sports calendar and a major springboard for East Africa’s elite athletes. In addition to being the most professional Marathon in the region, the MTN Kampala Marathon has earned its place as the biggest purpose-led marathon, giving participants a good reason to run, not only for their health and fitness but also to contribute towards community-benefiting projects.

The proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade newborn and maternal health services in the selected health facilities across the country, namely; Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala as well as those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)

Following the partnership, Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, delivered a package of the 2022 Marathon kit to the NBS Sport staff today.

Somdev lauded NBS Sport for supporting the MTN Kampala Marathon and the noble cause that It stands for.

“We are happy to have NBS Sport as a partner of the biggest marathon in the region. With the backing of a dedicated sports channel such as this, we believe this year’s Marathon shall be bigger and better as we strive to save the lives of babies and mothers as well as nurture athletic talent In Uganda,” Somdev said.

The 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday, 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds, with runners participating in any of 4 categories, including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race, and 5Km fun run. The wheelchair race (10Km) was held on Sunday, 13th November 2022 with great success.

This year’s Marathon winners shall share a prize pot of Ugx.290,000,000 up from 2019’s Ugx.119,000,000.

Participants will be treated to an afternoon of live performances by Uganda’s finest artists and there will be a fun park with lots of activities for the little ones.

Registration for the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon Is still ongoing via the MTN MoMo app or USSD *165*77#. Kit pick-up is also in progress at the MTN Service centres.

ABOUT NBS SPORT TV

NBS Sport is Uganda’s only 24-hour sports television station, shaping the narrative through Live Coverage and sports analysis, current affairs, events, business, entertainment, and more around the country and beyond.

NBS Sport is available on dstv Channel 377, startimes Channel 255, and Free-To-Air Channel 34 and exclusively streamed via Afro Mobile.

MTN Uganda Delivers Marathon Kit to KCCA

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  • MTN Uganda has delivered MTN Kampala Marathon kit to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the host city of the marathon.
  • The MTN Kampala marathon is happening this Sunday 20th November and all its proceeds shall go towards improving neonatal and maternal health
  • Buy your kit at a discount via the MTN MoMo app or by simply dialing *165*77# and pick it up from a service center near you.

 

MTN Uganda has today handed over MTN Kampala Marathon kit to the employees of the Kampala Capital City Authority ahead of the Marathon that is scheduled to take place this Sunday 20th November 2022. The handover took place today at MTN Omondi Stadium which is home to the KCCA Football Club.

At least 25,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s marathon which shall be run under the theme; “Run for babies” as all the proceeds from the event shall go towards improving neonatal and maternal health services in four health facilities across Uganda, two of which are in Kampala. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region).

While handing over the kit, Johnpaul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Manager for Sponsorships and events thanked KCCA for its great work towards hosting the biggest social and sporting event that has enabled thousands of Ugandans to unite and give back to the community in various ways.

“I am grateful for KCCA’s effort hosting the marathon for all these years and for working with the government and UAF to ensure that all the participants have a good and safe experience as they run, each year. It is in this spirit that we hand over these kits and cordially invite you, as our partners to join us this Sunday as we run for babies,” Okwi said.

Anisha Muhoozi, the Chief Executive Officer of KCCA FC received the kit on behalf of KCCA. She lauded the MTN Kampala Marathon for positioning sports as a platform for influencing positive change in the communities.

“Supporting the MTN Kampala Marathon is something that is close to our hearts. We are honored to be part of such a noble cause that has transformed many lives in the country,” Muhoozi said, adding that the KCCA footballers are ready to take part in the Marathon.

The 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds with runners participating in any of 4 categories including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race, and 5Km fun run. The wheelchair race10km was successfully held on 13th November 2022.

There will be lots of live entertainment by a wide array of artistes after the run and a play area for the young ones all day long.

Buy your kit at a discount via the MTN MoMo app or by simply dialing *165*77# and pick it up from a service center near you.

MTN Kampala marathon receives free health tests and first aid services from Prudential

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  • MTN Uganda received a first aid sponsorship package from Prudential Uganda worth UGX 70 million.

 

  • Runners who have paid for their MTN marathon kits can get BMI and ECG tests for free at IMC clinics to examine their fitness and cardio functions.

 

  • The MTN Kampala marathon is happening this Sunday 20th November aimed at improving neonatal and maternal health

MTN Kampala marathon has received a sponsorship package of UGX 70 million from Prudential insurance for the upcoming marathon activity to provide health check-up services. This took place at the IMC(c-care) clinic along parliamentary avenue in Kampala.

The MTN Kampala marathon set to take place this Sunday is set to run for a great cause of improving neonatal and maternal health services across the country.

It’s upon this premise that Prudential Uganda and its partners from IMC and Red cross have handed over a sponsorship package worth UGX 70 million to MTN Uganda that comes with emergency and health care services for the pre-run and during the marathon run on 20th November this Sunday.

Prudential Uganda’s Chief Health Officer, Paul Nagemi said: “This initiative is geared towards influencing a healthy lifestyle for Ugandans, especially those who will participate in the MTN Kampala Marathon. This is our way of giving back to the public and encouraging them to prioritize their health.”

The people at the press conference including journalists and some runners were treated to a free Body and Mass Index and ECG cardio tests done in preparation for the marathon to check their health/ fitness and cardio functions.

Dr. Arthur Sesanga, the Director of Medical Services at C-Care IMC Uganda urged the participants of the MTN Kampala marathon to embrace the offer.

“I implore the people who intend to participate in the Marathon to visit any of our selected C-Care and IMC health centers and have a free BMI/ECG test done prior to the marathon to check their health, fitness and Cardio functions,” Dr. Sesanga said.

Speaking at the press conference, Martin Sebuliba the MTN Uganda Senior Manager, Brand and communication expressed his gratitude to Prudential and its partners who have committed to supporting the runners with health checks and ensuring that they are physically fit to run for the babies’ cause.

“The MTN Kampala marathon is a professionally run marathon that will have different groups of people like the elite runners, the elderly, and the kids present to run for a good cause, therefore it’s important that we have basic medical services available to the runners for the preparation of and during the marathon,” she said

“We at MTN Uganda are very pleased to receive a sponsorship package that caters to our runners and is putting their health first to achieve the goal of running for a good cause and having fun while at it,” He added

The sponsorship package from Prudential and its partners will include BMI and ECG tests for runners as they prepare to run in the days leading to the marathon and will also have a full set-up team at the Kololo independent grounds as the marathon takes place.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)

The 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds with runners participating in any of 4 categories including; the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race, and 5Km fun run. The wheelchair race10km was successfully held on 13th November 2022.

Runners will need to provide their proof of payment for their marathon kits via mobile money messages or show their receipts at selected c-care centers in order to receive free BMI and ECG tests at the following IMC(c-care) centers;

  • C-Care IMC Parliamentary Avenue
  • C-Care IMC Ntinda
  • C-Care IMC Kololo
  • C-Care IMC IDC (Yusuf Lule Road)
  • C-Care IMC Wandegeya

 

How MTN Kampala Marathon is nurturing Uganda’s athletic sport

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The MTN Kampala Marathon is one of the most famous races attracting thousands of participants across East Africa. On November 20, as many as 20,000 runners will head to Kololo Independence Grounds again. From there, some will run or jog a maximum of 42kilometres of the marathon on the city roads.

This will be the 17th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon following a two-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic. And, whereas the marathon is celebrated for its charity, it has also provided a platform for talent identification for aspiring athletes so much so that Uganda is emerging as a strong competitor in athletics on the international stage, taking on Kenya and Ethiopia which have dominated the marathons for decades in East Africa.

Uganda Athletics Federation president, Dominic Otuchet,  said in an interview that MTN Kampala Marathon has enabled local aspiring athletes to not only test themselves beside the elite athletes but also provided them with exposure to stakeholders in athletics to boost their chances to participate in international marathons.

“As it has been in the past, we are hoping that this marathon will see some of our aspiring athletes get signings with international managers interested to promote their sport on the international scene,” he said.

“And, it is for that reason that we normally invite international athletes to participate in the MTN Kampala Marathon to raise its profile and competition. We usually want to ensure that our athletes get a new challenge and train hard.”

Otuchet said this year’s MTN Kampala Marathon is expected to involve elite athletes from neighboring countries including Kenya and Ethiopia.

“I, therefore, call upon aspiring athletes to compete in this race. Most of our international medalists were identified and nurtured through this marathon,” he said.

He cites Dorcus Inzikuri, Bonface Kiprop, Stella Chesang, Mercyline Chalangat, Stephen Kiprotich, Jacob Kiplimo, and Victor Kiplangat, among others, who have gained strong attention in athletic circles.

Dorcus Inzikuru participated in the inaugural MTN Kampala Marathon in 2004 and later won a gold medal in the women’s steeplechase during the World Championship in Helsinki, Finland in 2005. She had another spectacular performance in the Commonwealth Games in 2006 in Melbourne scooping a gold medal beside Bonface Kiprop. 

Moses Kipsiro, a double gold medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, tested his talent during the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2008. 

Similarly, Stephen Kiprotich tested his running pace during the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2010 before going on to win at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. He became the second Ugandan to win Olympic Gold after John AKII-Bua in 1972.

Stella Chesang and Victor Kiplangat, too, had their talent identified during the MTN Kampala Marathon and are now world champions in athletics.

Chesang participated in the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2014 and in 2018 won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Kiplangat, who participated in the 2015 MTN Kampala Marathon, won a gold medal in the men’s marathon in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at Smithfield in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Commenting on the upcoming marathon, Kiplangat said it is a perfect opportunity for aspiring athletes to test their fitness.

“It is the MTN Kampala Marathon that made some of us,” he said. “I am encouraging aspiring athletes to come and run like 10kms, then, they can upgrade to half marathon and finally full marathon.”

Rhona Arinaitwe, Public Relations Manager at MTN Uganda Foundation said MTN is proud to be associated with the Federation for nurturing the country’s athletic talent.

“We are so glad for the transformations so far recorded as a result of the marathon and we remain committed to providing any necessary support towards the success of Ugandan athletes,” she said.

MTN Uganda started the MTN Kampala Marathon in 2004 to raise funds for various causes including helping expectant mothers with maternity kits, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities and schools, and improving maternal health facilities. 

 

MTN Uganda wins 2022 Financial Reporting Awards 

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MTN Uganda has won an award in this year’s Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards held at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The telecom company beat its competitors: Umeme, BAT Uganda, CIPLA Uganda, and Uganda Clays Ltd to emerge a winner in the Consumer and Industrial Products Category A. 

MTN Uganda also received a certificate of recognition for outstanding achievement under the listed companies’ category.

The FiRe Awards are held annually to promote consistent and high-quality financial reporting in all sectors of the economy and to build stakeholder confidence and trust. 

Participation in the Awards presents an opportunity for entities to benchmark their annual reports with up-to-date financial and business reporting requirements. 

Andrew Bugembe, Chief Finance Officer for MTN Uganda and the team that received the award couldn’t hide the excitement.

“We are very proud of this achievement as it aligns with our values of accountability and integrity to provide quality financial reporting to all our stakeholders,” he said.

 ICPAU President Constant Othieno Mayende said there’s been a tremendous improvement in the quality of financial reporting in Uganda in the past few years.

“Organisations have also reported increased stakeholder confidence as well as increased ability to raise capital,” he said.

MTN Uganda was incorporated in 1998 to operate as a second national operator of a telecommunications network service provider and currently serves more than a 16.7million subscribers. 

Last year, it became the largest locally-listed company on the Uganda Securities Exchange worth UGX 4trillion and employs approximately1, 048 employees directly and indirectly.

The  FiRe Awards organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) was held  under the theme: “Corporate Reporting: Strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting.”

 

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Richard Ocira and Pauline Achai Shine at The MTN Kampala Marathon Wheelchair Race

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  • The 17th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon kicked off this morning with the wheelchair race, ahead of the other races scheduled for Sunday 20th November 2022.
  • Richard Ocira and Pauline Achai emerged winners in the men’s and the women’s 10km wheelchair race categories respectively. They each won Ugx.3M. The @nd and 3rdplace winners in both categories won Ugx.1.5 and Ugx.1 million shillings respectively.
  • Register for the upcoming races scheduled for 20th November at a discounted rate via the MTN MoMo app or *165*77# or at an MTN Service center.
  • Proceeds of the 2022 MTN Kampala marathon shall go towards kitting maternal and newborn facilities in four health centers across Uganda.

The long-awaited MTN Kampala Marathon kicked off this morning with the 10km wheelchair race, ahead of the other races scheduled for next Sunday, the 20th of November. The MTN Kampala Marathon has for many years led the way in promoting, endorsing, and showcasing the very best wheelchair race in the country since the inception of the marathon.

Wheelchair racing is open to athletes with any qualifying type of disability, amputees, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and partially sighted (when combined with another disability). Like running, it can take place on a track or as a road race. (Source)

Unlike the previous (2019) MTN Kampala Marathon that featured the wheelchair race on the same day as the other races, this year, a special date was set for the wheelchair race as was the norm in the earlier marathons, to give the wheelchair race the prominence and recognition that it deserves.

Overall-winner-of-the-MTN-Kampala-Marathon-2022-wheelchair-race-Richard-Ocira-celebrates-after-crossing-the-finish-line

Despite the early morning showers that hit Kampala this morning, the wheelchair race attracted 20 participants who were flagged off by UAF and MTN Uganda officials at the Lugogo by-pass for a 10KM race around Kololo, a Kampala suburb and back through Jinja Road to finish at the Lugogo by-pass.

Paul Okello the organizing secretary of the Uganda Athletics Federation expressed his excitement over the return of the MTN Kampala Marathon following a two-year break and thanked the participants who turned up for the wheelchair race.

“I thank the participants who turned up today for the wheelchair race and I would like to remind all the people with disabilities to take interest in this race as disability is not inability. We are also working towards acquiring more race wheelchairs as they are costly and a major hindrance to the people who would like to participate in this race,” Okello said.

The-joy-of-crossing-the-finish-line.

According to Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, the wheelchair race

“We are happy to see that more and more people are embracing the wheelchair race. I hail all the women and men who took part in the wheelchair race of this year’s MTN Marathon whose proceeds shall go to improving newborn and maternal health services in the country,” Somdev said.

In first place was Richard Ocira, an electronic repair and maintenance expert based in Gulu city. He won Ugx.3 million.

“In 2019 I was in second place so this year, I am happy to have won this year, after waiting for 2 years. The weather (rain) was good for me and I just raced without minding who was behind me,” Opio said upon crossing the finish line, minutes ahead of the second winner.

In second place for the men’s category was the 2019 defending champion, Kevin Mubiru, a fourth-year computer science student at Makerere University. He urged people with disabilities to keep exercising for better mental and physical health. Mubiru won Ugx.1.5Million shillings.

In third place was Brian Mugabe, a nursery teacher at Mulago Beupa learning site who was participating in the MTN Kampala Marathon for the first time. He won Ugx.1 million.

On the women’s side, Achai Pauline, a retailer based in Gulu city claimed the first position for the 4th time in a row, earning herself a cash prize of Ugx.3 million.

“I thank MTN Uganda for involving us people with disabilities in the MTN Kampala Marathon. It makes us feel seen and acknowledged,” Achai said.

In second place was Lorna Lamono who won 1.5 million while her colleague, Florence Acen won Ugx.1 million for her 3rd place position.

All 6 wheelchair race winners shall receive their prizes on Sunday 20th November along with the other winners in the upcoming races.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)

The MTN Kampala Marathon has over the years raised over Ugx.4 billion and benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kit, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently, improving maternal in health facilities.

L-R-Lorna-Lamono-2nd-place-women-MTNs-Somdev-Sen-Pauline-Achai-1st-place-women-and-Florence-Acen-3rd-place-women.

The other races of the MTN Kampala Marathon, including the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race and 5Km fun run will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds.

The MTN Marathon pledges to continue playing its role in connecting and uniting Ugandans to causes that make a difference in the lives of thousands (if not millions) across the country. The 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon is powered by Huawei, Stanbic Bank, Rwenzori, Vision Group, NBS Sport, the Kampala Capital City Authority-the host city and the Uganda Athletics Federation- the technical partners.

The MTN Kampala Marathon Wheelchair Race Set for this Sunday

Posted on by brianmugisha

The MTN Kampala Marathon is set to kick off this Sunday 13th November with the wheelchair race, ahead of the other races scheduled for next Sunday, the 20th of November.

Unlike the previous (2019) Marathon that featured the wheelchair race on the same day as the other races, this year, a special date was set for the wheelchair race as was the norm in the earlier marathons, to give the wheelchair race prominence and the recognition that it deserves.

According to Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, the MTN Kampala Marathon has for many years led the way in promoting, endorsing, and showcasing the very best wheelchair race in the country.

The total prize pot of Ugx.11,000,000 has been prepared for the wheelchair race winners across both the men’s and women’s categories. Each of the top 3 finishers in the men’s and women’s races will receive a portion of this total; The first-position winners shall each walk away with Ugx.3,000,000/= while the second and third-place finishers shall pocket Ugx.1,500,000/= and Ugx.1,000,000/= respectively for both men and women.

A yet-to-be-confirmed number of wheelchair race participants have already registered and picked up their MTN Marathon 2022 kit ahead of the Sunday wheelchair race that shall span a 10KM distance starting from the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

“We have had a good number of wheelchair participants register and pick up their kit for the wheelchair race which has always been a part of the MTN Kampala Marathon. Registration for all the Marathon race categories is still open and the kit pick-up is also ongoing. I urge everyone to register and participate in this year’s marathon to save more babies and mothers,” Somdev said.

Proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn services in four selected health facilities across the country. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala health facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)

The MTN Kampala Marathon has over the years raised over Ugx.4 billion and benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers with maternity kit, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently, improving maternal in health facilities.

The other races of the MTN Kampala Marathon, including the full marathon (42Km), half marathon (21Km), 10Km race and 5Km fun run will be held on Sunday 20th November starting at the Kololo independence grounds.

The MTN Marathon pledges to continue playing its role in connecting and uniting Ugandans to causes that make a difference in the lives of thousands (if not millions) across the country.