- MTN Uganda has announced the resumption of the MTN Kampala Marathon this year, following a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19
- The 17th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon will take place on Sunday 20th November 2022
- Registration for MTN Kampala Marathon kit is now open at a discounted rate using MTN MoMo
- The improved kit now features a running belt that can carry a water bottle and mobile phone, for a better running experience.
- Proceeds of the 2022 marathon shall go towards kitting maternal and newborn facilities in four health centers across Uganda
- There shall be a family park (for the children), with lots of entertainment by top artists and DJs after the Marathon
MTN Uganda together with its partners Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS TV and KCCA – the host city, have announced the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which shall take place on Sunday 20th November 2022 under the theme; “Run for Babies”. This announcement comes after a two-year break due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
First run 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 charity-inspired marathon, giving participants a good reason to run, not only for their own health and fitness but to also contribute to projects that have supported communities over the years.
While launching the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022 at the MTN Uganda Head offices today, Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer announced that the proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used again to upgrade maternal and newborn facilities in health centers across the country.
“As a continuation to the tremendous impact that the Marathon has achieved over the past years, this year’s marathon proceeds shall similarly be dedicated to further improving the selected maternal and neonatal health facilities, by refurbishing and equipping them to save the lives of mothers and babies,” Mulinge said, urging the public to participate and contribute in the noble cause.
As is the case in many sub-Saharan countries, statistics indicate that there are an estimated 336 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 43 infant deaths per 1000 live births in Uganda, with 42% of the children’s mortality occurring during the neonatal period (source: Uganda Health and Demographic Survey, 2016 – UNFPA).
“It is therefore through such initiatives that the public and corporate companies can join hands with the government to ensure better health service delivery that is critical in the elimination of these preventable deaths among mothers and babies.
Over the years, contributions from the MTN Kampala Marathon have supported the area of maternal and child health tremendously. Ush. 900m was raised from the MTN Marathon editions of 2018 and 2019 and that together with a top of Ush.400m from MTN Foundation was used to refurbish maternal wards in four health centers across the country.
Working with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA as the implementing partners, the health centers of Kawempe Hospital in Kampala, Muyembe Health Center IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, and Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district, were refurbished and equipped with neo-natal equipment, using proceeds from 2018 and 2019. The facilities are fully operational, offering mothers and newborns much-needed healthcare services.
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 race (10Km) shall be held on Sunday 13th November 2022.
This year’s kit features a running belt that offers a secure and convenient way for runners to keep their valuables and water bottle to rehydrate, while they run.
Over the years, contributions from the MTN Kampala Marathon have supported the area of maternal and child health tremendously. Ushs.900m was raised from the MTN Marathon editions of 2018 and 2019 and that together with a top of Ushs.400m from MTN Foundation, was used to refurbish maternal wards in four health centers across the country,
The MTN Kampala Marathon has, over the years raised Ushs 4bn+ 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 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.
Kit prices and kit items for the various MTN Kampala Marathon race categories
| Race categories | Kids’ Kit | Wheelchair Race | 5 Kms | 10Kms | 21Kms | 42 Kms | |
| Payment options | Cash | 5,000 | 20,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
| MoMo | 5,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 | 30,000
(Timing) 35,000 (No timing) |
20,000 | 20,000 | |
| Kit items | T. Shirt | Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle | Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle, timing chip | ||||
— Partners’ Comments—
Dominic Otucet, President, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF)
We are grateful to MTN for sticking with us for the last 19 years, from 2004 when we had the inaugural MTN Kampala Marathon until now. We at UAF value and cherish this partnership. Our partnership with MTN has enabled our good performance in athletics, which has become a golden sport in Uganda. We are therefore happy to resume the MTN Kampala Marathon after the two-year break
Don Wanyama, Managing Director, Vision Group
Vision group has been part of the MTN Kampala Marathon since its inception. We are happy to be part of the Marathon because its purpose fits in the spirit of Vision Group’s CSR. Vision Group is offering Media leverage worth Ush.150 million towards the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon.
Samuel Chen, Vice President Huawei Regional Office
We have been partners of the MTN Kampala Marathon for the past 8 editions. We are grateful for the great opportunity given to us by MTN Uganda, to be part of a good cause that benefits society. As Huawei, we are contributing Ush.280 million to the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022. After the two-year marathon thirst, we are happy to be running again this year for a good cause.
Anne Juuko, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic Bank
We at Stanbic are very proud to be associated with MTN, and even more proud to be doing that for a good cause for the last 8 years. We value the partnership with MTN due to the immense power that lies in collaborations for a common good cause. There is no nobler cause than supporting maternal and newborn health. As such, we are contributing Ush.170 million shillings to this endeavor.
MTN MoMo Ltd- Richard Yego, Managing Director, MTN MoMo Limited
As has been the norm, MTN MoMo will support the MTN Kampala Marathon by discounting all the kits that shall be paid for via MTN MoMo. Following the past 2 years of the pandemic, discounting the kits is our way of ensuring that many more people take part in the MTN Kampala Marathon. The children are the future of this country and it is important that we support them right from birth. Be vigilant to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
NBS TV- Joe Kigozi- Deputy Group CEO Next Media/General Manager, NBS Sport
As Next Media, our vision is to inform and transform society because Sport has the power to change lives. In a country with such a young population, it is a pleasure for us to be part of a noble cause that will save more precious lives. Next Media has pledged media value worth Ush.500Million towards the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022.
Newton Lee Ogong, Channel Execution and Trade Marketing Manager, Coca Cola
We are proud to have been part of the MTN Kampala Marathon for the past years, including this year. We believe that one of the most important requirements for any runner is hydration. Therefore, as Coca-Cola, we will be supporting with value worth Ush.75 million beverages.
Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director, Kampala Capital City Authority.
10 babies die every day due to avoidable causes and poor antenatal management of mothers as well as heavy congestion of public facilities. As such, we are glad to be hosting the Marathon whose proceeds shall help in alleviating this challenge. We look forward to hosting the most professional Marathon in the region. This is a statement and an endorsement of our city, and we are honored to be hosting the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022.
The MTN Kampala Marathon Proceeds and their distribution since its inception
| Year | No. Runners | Beneficiary Amount | Theme | Implementing Entity | Beneficiary |
| 2004 | 1,500 | 20,000,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2005 | 2,500 | 24,500,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2006 | 3,500 | 38,000,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2007 | 6,500 | 59,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2008 | 18,000 | 59,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2009 | 22,000 | 67,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2010 | 18,000 | 190,000,000 | Water & Sanitation | Uganda Red Cross | Northern Uganda |
| 2011 | 20,000 | 230,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (installation of 6 boreholes, 24 rainwater jars, 5 ferro cement tanks, 509 bio sand filters) | Water Aid | Amuria |
| 2012 | 20,000 | 300,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (10 boreholes) | Uganda Red Cross | Kiryandongo |
| 2013 | 20,000 | 400,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes) | Water Aid | Nakapiripirit |
| 2014 | 20,000 | 450,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes) | Water Aid | Kotido |
| 2015 | 20,000 | 500,000,000 | Installation and improvement of Sanitation/toilet facilities including water harvesting and bio-gas components
in primary schools around Kampala. |
KCCA
|
1. Kitebi Primary School
2. Kisaasi Primary School 3. Police Primary School Nsambya 4. Naguru Katale Primary School 5. Kasubi Church of Uganda Primary School |
| 2016 | 20,000 | 500,000,000 |
KCCA
|
1. Nakasero Primary School
2. Kitante Primary School 3. Kampala School for the handicapped 4. Namungoona Kigobe Primary School 5. Munyonyo Church of Uganda Primary School |
|
| 2017 | 20,000 | 600,000,000 | Improvement of Maternal health and reduction of exposure to cancer | KCCA | Maternal health;
· Komamboga & Kiswa health centres Replacement of asbestos roofing; Nakasero Primary School |
| 2018 | 20,000+ | 600,000,000 (MKM collections)
400,000,000 (MTN Foundation) |
Improvement of Maternal health facilities in Health Centre IVs | UNFPA & MoH | Refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labour wards of five Health Centre IVs incl:
1. Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district 2. Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach 3. Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala 4. Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district 5. Kawempe Referral Hospital in Kampala. |
| 2019 | 15,000 | 500,000,000 | |||
| 247,000 | 4,480,000,000 | ||||
- MTN Uganda has announced the resumption of the MTN Kampala Marathon this year, following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic
- Buy your MTN Kampala Marathon kit at a discounted rate through MTN MoMo
- The New and improved kit features a running belt for a better running experience.
- Proceeds of the 2022 marathon shall go to further improving maternal and newborn health services across Uganda
- There shall be lots of entertainment by top artists and DJs after the Marathon
Monday 10th October 2022- Kampala, Uganda: MTN Uganda together with its partners Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS TV and KCCA have announced the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which shall take place on Sunday 20th November 2022 under the theme; “Run for Babies”. This announcement comes after two years of the MTN Kampala Marathon break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Registration for the 2022 MTN Kampala Marathon starts today 10th October 2022 while kit pick up starts on 16th November 2022.
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 own health and fitness but to also contribute towards community-benefiting projects.
While launching the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022 in a press conference held at the MTN Uganda Head offices today, Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer said that the proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used to upgrade maternal and newborn health services in the selected health facilities across the country.
“As a continuation to the tremendous impact that the Marathon has achieved over the past years, this year’s marathon proceeds shall similarly be dedicated to further improving the selected maternal and neonatal health facilities by refurbishing and equipping them to save the lives of mothers and babies,” Mulinge said, urging members of the public and corporate companies to participate in the noble cause.
As is the case in many sub-Saharan countries, statistics indicate that there are an estimated 336 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and is 43 infant deaths per 1000 live births in Uganda, with 42% of the children’s mortality occurring during the neonatal period. (Source: Uganda Health and Demographic Survey, 2016 – UNFPA).
Information from the ministry of health there is a stagnation in neonatal mortality due to lack of equipment such as incubators, to take care of the newborn babies.
It is therefore through such initiatives that the general public and companies can complement the government’s efforts to ensure better maternal and health service delivery that are critical to the elimination of these preventable deaths of mothers and babies.
Over the years, contributions from the MTN Kampala Marathon have supported the area of maternal and child health tremendously. Ushs 900m was raised from the MTN Marathon editions of 2018 and 2019 and that together with a top of Ushs 400m from MTN Foundation was used to refurbish maternal wards in four health centers across the country,
Working with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA as the implementing partners, the health centers of Kawempe Hospital in Kampala, Muyembe Health Center IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, and Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district, were refurbished and equipped with neo-natal equipment. The facilities are fully operational, offering mothers and newborns much-needed healthcare services.
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 race (10Km) shall be held on Sunday 13th November 2022.
This year’s kit features a running belt that offers a secure and convenient way for runners to keep their valuables to enable a comfortable running experience. The kids’ kit is available at Ush.5,000/=
Since its inception, the MTN Kampala Marathon has raised close to UGX 4bn which has benefitted several causes such as helping expectant mothers, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda, relocating mudslide victims in Bududa, delivering clean water and improving sanitation in communities/schools, and most recently improving the state of maternal health services across the country.
The MTN Marathon has and 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.
Kit prices and kit items for the various MTN Kampala Marathon race categories
| Race categories | Kids’ Kit | Wheelchair Race | 5 Kms | 10Kms | 21Kms | 42 Kms | |
| Payment options | Cash | 5,000 | 20,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
| MoMo | 5,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 | 30,000/
35,000 |
20,000 | 20,000 | |
| Kit items | T-shirt | Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle | Vest, Sun visor, Running belt, bottle, timing chip | ||||
Partners’ Comments;
Dominic Otucet, President, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF)
We are grateful to MTN for sticking with us for the last 19 years, from 2004 when we had the inaugural MTN Kampala Marathon until now. We at UAF value and cherish this partnership. Our partnership with MTN has enabled our good performance in athletics, which has become a golden sport in Uganda. We are therefore happy to resume the MTN Kampala Marathon after the two-year break.
Don Wanyama, Managing Director, Vision Group
Vision group has been part of the MKM since inception. We are happy to be part of the Marathon. The purpose of the Marathon fits in the spirit of Vision Group’s CSR. Media leverage worth 150 million shillings.
Huawei- Samuel Chen
We have been partners of the MTN Kampala Marathon for the past 8 editions. We are grateful for the great opportunity given to us by MTN Uganda, to be part of a good cause that benefits society. As Huawei, we are contributing Ush.280 million to the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022. After the two-year marathon thirst, we are happy to be running again this year for a good cause.
Anne Juuko, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic Bank
We at Stanbic are very proud to be associated with MTN, and even more proud to be doing that for a good cause for the last 8 years. We value the partnership with MTN due to the immense power that lies in collaborations for a common good cause. There is no nobler cause than supporting maternal and newborn health. As such, we are contributing Ush.170Million shillings to this endeavor.
MTN MoMo Ltd- Richard Yego, Managing Director, MTN MoMo Limited
As has been the norm, MTN MoMo will support the MTN Kampala Marathon by discounting all the kits that shall be paid for via MTN MoMo. Following the past 2 years of the pandemic, discounting the kits is our way of ensuring that many more people take part in the MTN Kampala Marathon. The children are the future of this country and it is important that we support them right from birth. Be vigilant to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
NBS TV- Joe Kigozi- Deputy Group CEO Next Media/General Manager, NBS Sport
As Next Media, our vision is to inform and transform society because Sport has the power to change lives. In a country with such a young population, it is a pleasure for us to be part of a noble cause that will save more precious lives. Next Media has pledged media value worth Ush.500Million towards the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022.
Newton Lee Ogong, Channel Execution and Trade Marketing Manager, Coca Cola
We are proud to have been part of the MTN Kampala Marathon for the past years, including this year. We believe that one of the most important requirements for any runner is hydration. Therefore, as Coca-Cola, we will be supporting with value worth Ush.75Million beverages.
Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director, Kampala Capital City Authority.
10 babies die every day due to avoidable causes and poor antenatal management of mothers as well as heavy congestion of public facilities. As such, we are glad to be hosting the Marathon whose proceeds shall help in alleviating this challenge. We look forward to hosting the most professional Marathon in the region. This is a statement and an endorsement of our city and we are honored to be hosting the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022.
The MTN Kampala Marathon Proceeds and their distribution since its inception
| Year | No. Runners | Beneficiary Amount | Theme | Implementing Entity | Beneficiary |
| 2004 | 1,500 | 20,000,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2005 | 2,500 | 24,500,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2006 | 3,500 | 38,000,000 | Expectant mothers in IDPs | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2007 | 6,500 | 59,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2008 | 18,000 | 59,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2009 | 22,000 | 67,000,000 | Resettlement kits | Uganda Red Cross MAMA Bag Appeal | Northern Uganda |
| 2010 | 18,000 | 190,000,000 | Water & Sanitation | Uganda Red Cross | Northern Uganda |
| 2011 | 20,000 | 230,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (installation of 6 boreholes, 24 rainwater jars, 5 ferro cement tanks, 509 bio sand filters) | Water Aid | Amuria |
| 2012 | 20,000 | 300,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (10 boreholes) | Uganda Red Cross | Kiryandongo |
| 2013 | 20,000 | 400,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes) | Water Aid | Nakapiripirit |
| 2014 | 20,000 | 450,000,000 | Water & Sanitation (18 boreholes) | Water Aid | Kotido |
| 2015 | 20,000 | 500,000,000 | Installation and improvement of Sanitation/toilet facilities including water harvesting and bio-gas components
in primary schools around Kampala. |
KCCA
|
1. Kitebi Primary School
2. Kisaasi Primary School 3. Police Primary School Nsambya 4. Naguru Katale Primary School 5. Kasubi Church of Uganda Primary School |
| 2016 | 20,000 | 500,000,000 |
KCCA
|
1. Nakasero Primary School
2. Kitante Primary School 3. Kampala School for the handicapped 4. Namungoona Kigobe Primary School 5. Munyonyo Church of Uganda Primary School |
|
| 2017 | 20,000 | 600,000,000 | Improvement of Maternal health and reduction of exposure to cancer | KCCA | Maternal health;
· Komamboga & Kiswa health centres Replacement of asbestos roofing; Nakasero Primary School |
| 2018 | 20,000+ | 600,000,000 (MKM collections)
400,000,000 (MTN Foundation) |
Improvement of Maternal health facilities in Health Centre IVs | UNFPA & MoH | Refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labour wards of five Health Centre IVs incl:
1. Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district 2. Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach 3. Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala 4. Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district 5. Kawempe Referral Hospital in Kampala. |
- MTN Uganda’s new Chief Executive officer, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge has commenced her tenure in office.
- Ms. Mulinge brings to MTN a wealth of experience boasting of a 15-year career in Telcom alone.
- Prior to Joining MTN Uganda, Sylvia has been serving as the Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC since 2018.
- She plans to steer the continued growth of MTN Uganda as well as fast-tracking the realization of the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy.
MTN Uganda’s new Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge has assumed office following the exit of former CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, who was promoted to a regional executive role responsible for MTN Group’s West African markets.
Ms. Mulinge whose tenure in office commenced on 1st October 2022 becomes the first-ever female CEO at MTN Uganda, bringing with her a track record of executive business experience spanning close to over 20 years, 15 years of which is in the telecom industry, that will see her steer the continued growth and strategic progress of MTN Uganda.
Ms. Mulinge who has been serving as the Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC since 2018, is credited for driving the company’s customer obsession strategy to deliver long-term shareholder growth as well as creating preference for the Safaricom brand.
Since joining Safaricom PLC in 2006, Ms. Mulinge served in various roles including Prepay Product Manager, Head of retail, Head of Safaricom Business – Sales, General Manager, Enterprise Business, and Director, Consumer Business.
She joins MTN Uganda nine months after listing on the Uganda Securities Exchange in December last year inheriting a business with a total subscriber base of 16.3 million subscribers reported as at June 2022.
MTN Uganda business focus is to spearhead the achievement of Ambition 2025 strategy whose intent is to play a leading role in providing digital solutions for Africa’s progress through driving industry-leading connectivity operations, creating shared value, and accelerating portfolio transformation.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Ms. Mulinge said she is glad to be starting a new career in Uganda and specifically at MTN Uganda, pledging to build on her predecessors’ strong foundation.
“I am ready to build on my predecessors’ achievements to steer the continued growth of MTN Uganda through strategic partnerships and leveraging MTN’s brand as the most trusted and valued by all consumers and stakeholders in Uganda,” Ms. Mulinge said.
Ms. Mulinge further said she was looking forward to a good working relationship with various stakeholders including MTN staff, shareholders, regulators, business partners, and the government so that the company can operate in a conducive environment, close the digital divide, and ensure that everyone accrues the benefits of a modern connected life.
MTN Uganda Chairman Charles Mbire said: “We are very confident that our CEO’s passion for transforming customers’ lives, leadership, and women empowerment using technology will help drive our accelerated growth, positioning MTN for greater relevance ahead.”
- MTN Uganda has partnered with Ker Kwaro Acholi to launch the MTN Ker Kwaro bicycle races.
- The bicycle races are exclusively sponsored by MTN Uganda and shall be undertaken by all the eight districts of the Chiefdom.
- This is the first-ever sports-based activity exclusively sponsored by MTN in Ker Kwaro Acholi, based on the partnership between the Chiefdom and telecom signed in 2019.
MTN Uganda in partnership with Ker Kwaro Acholi, has today launched a bicycle racing competition targeting the 8 districts of the chiefdom. The bicycle race competitions were launched in an event held at the Ker Kwaro Acholi headquarters in the northern city of Gulu, where the jerseys of the participants were unveiled to the media and the institution’s administrators.
MTN Uganda is the exclusive sponsor of the Ker Kwaro Acholi bicycle race competitions based on an ongoing partnership signed in 2019 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The competitions shall traverse the eight districts of Acholi namely; Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader and Omoro.
The much-anticipated MTN Ker Kwaro Acholi bicycle races are set to kick off in October 2022 with preliminary competitions at district level, from where the top 10 winners will qualify to represent their districts in the final race that shall be held in Gulu City. The overall winners of the competitions will walk away with assorted cash prizes courtesy of MTN Uganda.
While launching the MTN Ker Kwaro Acholi Bicycle Race competition in Gulu, Phillip Odoi, the MTN Uganda Northern Region Business Manager said that MTN identified and is working with cultural institutions because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose, which resonates with MTN’s #GoodTogether notion.
“MTN partnered with Ker Kwaro Acholi to foster the socio-economic wellbeing of its people through supporting health, education, and sports initiatives. As such, we are happy to be launching an activity that will further bring together the people of Acholi,” Odoi said adding that while cultural institutions embody our heritage, sport has the power to reinforce the values of unity and teamwork.
Rt. Hon Ambrose Olaa, the Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi thanked MTN Uganda for rolling out this exciting cycling competition in the Acholi sub region.
“I am happy to note that these exciting bicycle races will bring the people of Ker Kwaro Acholi together for a good cause. I want to reassure MTN that in the chiefdom of Ker Kwaro, you have a reliable partner. We pledge our continued support to the company. We are very excited and look forward to these races,” Olaa said.
Over years, MTN and people of Ker Kwaro Acholi have had a cordial relationship, that was only amplified with the signing of a partnership agreement in 2019. The agreement entails MTN Uganda working together with the Ker Kwaro leadership to support the Chiefdom’s efforts to uplift socio cultural welfare of the people in the Acholi sub region through jointly undertaking health, education and sports initiatives.
While this is the first-ever sports activity, MTN has in the past undertaken initiatives in health and education in the Acholi region such as the refurbishment and kitting of Cwero Health Center III maternity ward in 2019 as well as constructing a classroom block Kuc Ki Gen PEAS high school in Lamwo among other projects.
MTN is keen on working with cultural institutions because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.
The talented youth that emerged top 5 from the MTN Pulse Hip Hop awards under the cypher challenge category this year have premiered their debut rap song as a group, titled “Bikaaye”.
MTN Uganda introduced the MTN Pulse Cypher challenge to discover, nurture, and support raw talent in the hip-hop industry by providing young talented artists with a platform to showcase and achieve their dreams
This platform gave the youth an opportunity to showcase their rapping and musical skills which has in turn given them a chance to work with a top industry producer, Benon Mugumbya of Swangz avenue.
Over the weekend, the five winners namely; Allan Watikha aka the champion, Ibrahim Balunywa, Missy Anena, Lord Thiko and Mootownoh alongside Benon Mugumbya of Swangz Avenue premiered their debut rap single dubbed “Bikaaye” in an exclusive listeners’ party held at the Drop restaurant & bar in Muyenga.
“Bikaaye” which can be loosely translated as “Things have become tougher” was written and produced by the top five winners of the MTN pulse hip hop cypher awards in collaboration with Swangz avenue. The song is a reflection of the everyday hustler’s life, that pushes the youth to brave the challenging times of economic hardships in the country according to Allan Watikha.
“The experience has been massive, I thought after the competitions everyone was going to go their own way but MTN gave us a platform to express ourselves and reach a wider audience. MTN pulse kept us together and tipped us on the new opportunities that can push us to higher levels. Now here we are premiering our own record song” said Watikha.
Missy Anena Ochola alias King Missy, the only girl in the top five winners expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the challenge affirming that this experience has helped her step into her own as a rapper and recognize what she too has to offer in the music industry.
“Being the only girl in this challenge has built my confidence and esteem. I feel encouraged and hope that I can inspire many young girls out there who think rapping is only for boys. I thank MTN and Swangz avenue for encouraging me and considering my creativity in the hip hop industry, I can’t wait to grow big and better,” said Anena.
Faiza Fabz Salima the MTN Pulse Ambassador, said that one of the best opportunities MTN has given to Ugandan Youth is a platform that speaks to their ambitions and dreams and allows them to prove they too can make it out there in the world.
Balunywa thanked MTN for giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the gravity of their talents as rappers and be able to show the world what they can do.
“It is such an honour and delight to see young people do what they love and work towards making their dreams a reality,” Salima said.
MTN Uganda is committed to providing the benefits of a modern connected world and harnessing the youth’s potential to reach their desired goals through its youth platform, MTN Pulse.
Additionally, MTN Pulse has Dope Deals and Dope Life for the youths. Simply download the MTN Pulse App and join Pulse Nation where you get discounts on an array of MTN products and services as well as those from their partners such as Safe Boda, Jumia, KFC and Cake nation among others.
The MTN-Bunyoro sponsored bicycle races took off in an exciting manner on Friday morning at Buyanja secondary school playground in Kibaale district with 60 participants at the beginning line.
The bicycle races being the first of their kind in the region started off in the Kiryandongo district earlier this month and have now progressed to the second race of the first edition of the Bunyoro Kitara kingdom championships.
The MTN-sponsored races are giving both women and men the opportunity to participate in bicycle races using ordinary day-to-day bicycles. The races will cover 20km in distance and allow 5 winners to compete for attractive cash prizes.
The race route started off at Buyanja SS playground through to Karuguuza town council, Katerera roundabout, Busaana-Kibingo hakabanda, Matale-Kajuma-Kisojo road, Kayanja igomero, Kahyoro-Kibaale town council, Busaana-Bujuni parish, Katerera-Kakumiro road then turned off to Hon. Kasaija’s home up to Karuguuza-Kikangaara road before rounding back to Buyanja SS playground where it started off.
One of the winners receives a cash price after the race in Kibaale
According to the Bunyoro kingdom prime minister Andrew Byakutaga one of the many kingdom officials present at the event, the bicycle competitions this year are aimed at identifying and uplifting the talent of cyclists in the Bunyoro kingdom.
“We are enjoying a fruitful and harmonious relationship with MTN which also supports the annual coronation anniversary of the Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru” he said
“As a kingdom, we appreciate the support MTN has offered to us as a partner and their big role as the sole sponsors of these bicycle races which will take place in all the counties of the kingdom,” added Byakutaga
Cyclists asssembling for take off in Kibaale disstrict
The winners for the day were Jackson Kamara in the first position with a cash prize of UGX 500,000, William Kugonza in the second position with UGX 400,000, Stephen Tayebwa in the third position with a cash price of UGX 300,00, James Musiime in fourth place who won UGX 100,000 same as Clovis Kwesiima who came in the fifth position.
One of the participants, Julius Musinguzi praised MTN saying that in the past years they have not had bicycle races before and that this will be an opportunity for new talent identification and development.
Cyclists riding to the finish line in Kibaale for the Bunyoro bicyccle races
“We appreciate the support that MTN has given to our people and we pray and hope that all races will be peaceful and that we will even perform better at the grand finale in Hoima” concluded Musinguzi
The Bunyoro bicycle races are aimed at bringing the Bunyoro community together and also discovering new talent and harnessing it through friendly competitions.
MTN Uganda also supported the Bunyoro kingdom in organizing the third cultural festival that took place in June this year at the Booma playgrounds in Hoima city and also successfully organized other sports events such as the Amasaza football tournament, Empango Marathon, Omugo netball tournament, Enganda football tournament & boat racing competitions.
- The bicycle races were a competitive engagement amongst the 3 sub-regions of the Ker Alur Kingdom. This was the first edition of the race.
- The MTN Ker Alur competition was executed as part of the activities leading up to the 12th Coronation anniversary of the King of Ker Alur, His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni III.
- This is part of activities contained in a cooperation agreement signed between MTN Uganda and the Kingdom of Ker Alur, back in 2019.
The first edition of the MTN-sponsored Ker Alur Kingdom bicycle race competition dubbed “MTN Ker Alur Bicycle Races” was concluded on Saturday in the West Nile District of Zombo. The 100 participants were flagged off by the King of Ker Alur His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni III.
Launched two months ago, the races that are part of the ongoing partnership between MTN Uganda and the Ker Alur kingdom were a build-up to the upcoming 12th Coronation Anniversary of the King of Ker Alur. Under this partnership, MTN Uganda seeks to socioeconomically uplift the people of Ker Alur through health, education and sports initiatives.
As suggested by the King of the land, the bicycle races that were launched two months ago were held under the theme “Ending child Pregnancies and Marriage” in Alur land.
In his keynote speech at the grand finale of the bicycle racing competition, His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III urged parents for good parenting of their young girls for better futures.
Charity-Kwiyucwiny-Holding-dummy-cheque-the-1strunner-up-in-the-womens-race-poses-for-a-photo-with-some-of-the-Ker-Alur-leaders
“The kingdom is working hard to ensure that early child marriages come to an end. We are striving to get rid of the cultural practices that fuel teenage pregnancies,” said his Royal Majesty Pjillip Olaker Rauni III.
The highly engaging bicycle races attracted 100 participants of all genders including women, men and differently-abled people from the three Ker Alur sub-regions of Pakwach, Nebbi and Zombo districts.
Each of the 3 districts was represented by their top cyclists; The male participants rode a distance of 30 Kilometers while their female counterparts covered a distance of 15 Kilometers. The differently-abled people and children also took part in the race that saw all winners of the day walking away with assorted cash, among other prizes.
Charity Ayikuru from Nebbi district secured the first position in the women’s race category, a victory that saw her win the grand cash prize of Ugx.1,500,000/= and a brand-new bicycle. In the second position was Charity Kwiyucwiny from Zombo district. She walked away with Ugx.700,000/= while Magritte Agita from Nebbi, who came third won a cash prize of Ugx.300,000/=.
In the men’s category, Zombo district’s Nickson Asiimwe scooped the grand prize of Ugx.1,500,000 after emerging the winner. In second position was Pakwach’s Stephen Kumakech who won Ugx.700,000/= while Zombo’s Stephen Oboth who came third won Ugx.300,000/= all courtesy of MTN Uganda.
The King of Ker Alur waves to the masses during the MTN Ker Alur bucycle races finale that was held in Zombo over the weekend
Speaking at the event, Phillip Odoi the MTN Uganda Northern Region Business Manager thanked the King of Ker Alur for the great partnership that exists between MTN Uganda and the Kingdom.
“This bicycle race has been very successful and it has clearly demonstrated what can be achieved if companies unite with communities for the greater good of society. We are happy to note that the partnership between MTN Uganda and Ker Alur is growing stronger. We pledge to keep supporting the Kingdom in its pursuit of socioeconomic growth and development.,” Odoi said.
Odoi further thanked the people of Ker Alur for embracing the races and for using the competition as an opportunity to sensitize the kingdom against early marriage and teenage pregnancy in the region.
The King of ker Alur (C) alongside MTN and Ker Alur officials at the just concluded MTN Ker Alurbicycle races finale
Based on the 2019 agreement between Ker Alur Kingdom and MTN, the Telecom company has been working with the kingdom to enable the socio-economic upliftment of its people through sports, education and health.
In accordance with the agreement, MTN Uganda is set to officially launch a maternity ward at Pakwach Health Center IV that it refurbished and re-equipped in a bid to extend better maternal services in the region.
As a corporate company that is keen on promoting the notion of shared value, MTN is committed to working with Ker Alur Kingdom for the socio-economic upliftment of its people.
Below is the list of the MTN Ker Alur Final bicycle race winners and the prizes that they won.
| Women – 15 Kilometers | |||
| Position | County | Cyclists’ Name | Cash Prize |
| 1st | Nebbi | Charity Ayikuru | 1,500,000 and a bicycle |
| 2nd | Zombo | Charity Kwiyucwiny | 700,000 |
| 3rd | Nebbi | Magritte Agita | 300,000 |
| Men – 30 Kilometers | |||
| 1st | Zombo | Nickson Asiimwe | 1,500,000 |
| 2nd | Pakwach | Stephen Kumakech | 1,500,000 |
| 3rd | Zombo | Stephen Oboth | 300,000 |
- The MTN MoMo Hackathon 2022 has come to an end following the selection of the top 3 developers
- The three winning teams walked away with cash prizes amounting to 10,000 USD courtesy of MTN MoMo Uganda Limited, which they will invest in rolling out their innovations.
- This is underpinned by the MTN Ambition 2025 which is intent on Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Friday 23rd September 2022-Kampala Uganda: The MTN MoMo Hackathon has come to an end with the top three teams of developers walking away with assorted cash prizes to further invest in their ideas that are set to accelerate financial inclusion in the country.
The two months long Hackathon executed by MTN MoMo Uganda Limited in partnership with the Outbox hub attracted 149 applications who went through various checks and tests bringing the number down to 12 applicants from which the top three winners were selected today following a pitch to a panel of seasoned judges from MTN MoMo and Outbox hub.
Team e-wage, Team MpaMpe and Team M-Pay had the top 3 innovations that emerged as winners of the Hackathon that was concluded today at the Outbox hub in Kampala under the theme “Innovative financial and transactional applications”.
Team e-wage that came first walked away with the grand cash prize of 5,000 USD, Team MpaMpe which came 2nd won 3,000 USD while the 3rd team, M-Pay won 2,000 USD courtesy of MTN MoMo Uganda Limited. The money will be used as seed capital for the winners to invest in their innovations.
Speaking at the event, Richard Yego, the MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd Managing Director said that with more people appreciating digital financial services, such applications will further bridge the financial inclusion gap and deliver more seamless customer experiences.
“Tech-based financial solutions and applications are becoming increasingly necessary as more people are beginning to appreciate the use of such life-changing innovations. It is against this background that MTN decided to give third parties access to its mobile money programming Interface to enable them develop such vital solutions without facing the cost of building and maintaining new APIs,” Yego said.
Yego further noted that as MTN Uganda grows its service offering, they aim to create a marketplace that supports cashless and digital economies through affordable, inclusive, understandable and comprehensive financial services.
Outbox’s Richard Zulu (L) and MTN MoMo’s Richard Yego at the awarding ceremony of the Hackathon winners
In his remarks, Richard Zulu, founding member and team lead at Outbox emphasized the importance of hackathons for playing a role in creating interest and providing a foundation for software engineers and developers.
“Our mandate is to link developers and aspiring entrepreneurs to opportunities that expose them to learn about what other developers across MTN’s footprint and beyond are doing to inspire innovations that will drive Africa’s progress. I implore developers to utilize such opportunities to network as that is how learning and growth happens”, Zulu said.
In addition to the cash prizes, the three selected teams will utilize the MTN MoMo open API to integrate their product into the current MTN MoMo offering, which will create a wider range of digital financial offerings for MTN’s customers.
However, all the twelve teams that participated in the pitch day will get access to the MTN Global Community Developer group where they will have first-hand experience on how to code for projects on a wider market.
Summary of the Top Three Winners ideas
1st Position- E-wage App
e-wage will be an online payroll system for casual workers that uses the momo API disbursement service to send wages to the mobile account of casual workers which will replace how many companies pay casual workers which involves standing in long queues to get weekly wages. The application will also keep records, process payments and ease the work of processing weekly payrolls for casual workers.
2nd Position- MpaMpe App
MpaMpe will be a hybrid crowdfunding application that seeks to bridge the gap between the needy/beneficiaries/campaigners and funders/sponsors/donors to support their ideas through a transparent model and accountability of funds. MpaMpe locally means ‘Give Me I Give Out’. It is a financial and digital inclusion web app created to tackle local community needs in Uganda post-covid-19 pandemic.
3rd Position- M-Pay
M-pay will be an online platform that enables users to create a wallet, deposit funds directly onto it and then have the wallet balance paid out to a number of multiple subscribers with a single transaction.
Vocational education in the Albertine region has received a major boost following the handover of a fully furnished ICT laboratory to Millennium Business School today. The facility jointly established by MTN Uganda and Enabel is aimed at facilitating ICT-enhanced learning.
Enabel Resident Representative Tom Vanneste says that given the importance of ICT skills in today’s world of work, the laboratory will play a key role in preparing young people for employment.
“ICT in education has been reduced to learning basic ICT skills, including word processing and working with spreadsheets. To bring vocational education into the 21st century, ICT will need to find its way into the workshops e.g. by utilizing car diagnostics apps for motor vehicle maintenance in the practical instruction workshops,” Vanneste says.
He however reveals that many vocational training institutes lack adequate computers, trained ICT staff, and ICT content and programmes.
To address the challenge, MTN Uganda provided computers and servers. It also supported the production of audio-visual learning teaching and learning content. MTN will additionally provide Millennium Business School internet for at least one year.
“The internet is full of relevant online Open Educational Resources that could help to boost technical and vocational training and keep learning up to date with the latest technology,” Vanneste says.
This is the second phase of the partnership between MTN and Enabel. In the initial phase, the Belgian development agency worked with the telecommunications provider to establish similar ICT laboratories at Amelo Technical Institute (Adjumani), St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre (Hoima), and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic (Moroto).
This second phase targets another set of three institutions including Millennium Business School. Other beneficiary institutions include; Uganda Technical College Kyema and Kasese Youth Polytechnic.
“MTN Uganda is intently committed to delivering the benefits of a modern connected world to everyone. We believe in creating leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and accelerating the achievement of this vision through strategic partnerships such as the one with Enabel ” said the Senior Manager MTN Uganda Foundation, Bryan Mbasa.
Enabel through the Support to Skilling Uganda project is upgrading the institutions receiving the ICT support to Centres of Vocational Excellence through various initiatives including integration of ICT in teaching and learning, infrastructure development, private sector-led vocational training, etc.
- MTN Uganda has once again partnered with Busoga Kingdom to launch the first-ever “Obugaali Bwa Masaza” bicycle races in the Kingdom.
- MTN Uganda is the exclusive sponsor of the bicycle races that shall be undertaken by 11 counties in the Busoga region.
- This is the second MTN -sponsored sports activity in the Kingdom, coming days after the Kingdom successfully completed its 5th Busoga Cup football tournament in which MTN was the main sponsor.
- This sponsorship is underpinned by the agreement signed between MTN Uganda and Busoga Kingdom in 2019.
MTN Uganda in partnership with Busoga Kingdom has today launched an MTN-sponsored bicycle racing competition in the Eastern Kingdom of Busoga. This bicycle racing competition launch comes only days after the kingdom concluded a four-month-long MTN sponsored football tournament dubbed the Busoga Masaza cup that engaged all the counties of Busoga Kingdom.
The launch of the MTN sponsored Busoga Kingdom bicycle race competitions dubbed “Obugaali Bwa Masaza” took place at the Busoga Kingdom administrative headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja, where the bicycle racing jersey was unveiled to the press and Kingdom officials ahead of the competitions that are set to start on the 30th of this month.
Speaking at the launch of the Busoga Kingdom Obugaali Bwa Masaza, Jimmy Isaraza, MTN Uganda’s Eastern Region Business Manager confirmed that the bicycle races are part of the agreement that was signed between Busoga Kingdom and MTN back in 2019.
“Under our agreement with Busoga Kingdom, MTN Uganda pledged to support the Kingdom in the realization of its aspirations by undertaking projects particularly in the areas of education, health, and sports. We are happy to note that we are delivering our promise and we remain committed to being part of the initiatives that the Kyabazinga prides in,” Isaraza said.
Isaraza further noted that the Obugaali Bwa Masaza competitions will continue strengthening the bond between MTN and the people of Busoga.
Owek. Osman Noor, the 2nd deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom thanked MTN Uganda for taking such a beneficial social activity to the people of Busoga and for recognizing the role cultural institutions play in mobilizing and rallying communities to important social causes.
“These bicycle races will yet again bring our people together and offer a fantastic opportunity for our people to engage constructively,” observed Noor.
The 11 counties that shall participate in the Busoga Kingdom Obugaali Bwa Masaza are; Bugabula, Kigulu, Luuka, Butembe, Bukooli, Bunha, Busiki, Bulamogi, Bukono, Bunhole-Munahumba and Bugweri. Each of the 11 counties shall hold county level competitions to identify 10 outstanding cyclists who will represent their counties at the finals where the top counties shall win assorted cash prizes courtesy of MTN Uganda.
MTN Uganda is strongly grounded in the belief that businesses and communities are good together; Businesses only succeed if the communities in which they operate, succeed.
Besides sports, MTN has also undertaken strategic health initiatives in Busoga such as revamping and equipping of the maternity ward at Mother Kevin health center III in Kamuli district as well as improving palliative care for cancer patients at Rays of Hope Hospice in Jinja, among others. Under education, in 20….. MTN Uganda rolled out a project to light up 30 schools in Kamuli district in a bid to improve the learning outcomes of the students in the area.