Friday 10th May, 2019 – Hoima District, Western Uganda.

The people of Kigorobya sub-county in Hoima district are set to benefit from a newly renovated and re equipped maternity ward and Family planning unit.

MTN Uganda, through its corporate social responsibility arm MTN Uganda Foundation, has today officially commissioned the renovated Health Center III maternity ward that it refurbished and re-equipped as a way of giving back to society.
The hospital that is located in Kigorobya had two of its blocks renovated, repainted and equipped with 10 hospital beds, 10 mattresses, 10 blankets and 10 mosquito nets to a tune of 90 million Uganda shillings.

A water tank with running water and solar panels were also installed for lighting and hygiene at the center.
As MTN Uganda marks its 20 years of existence in the country, it has, through its Foundation decided to renovate and re-equip selected maternity wards across the country in a bid to give back to the communities it serves.

The decision to focus on maternal and child health was arrived at by the MTN Foundation after a consultative meeting with the Ministry of Health which revealed that maternal health was the most underfunded section of health yet it is critical. This informed the need for MTN Uganda to move in and support by providing beds and providing a total uplift to the maternity wards at the selected facilities.

Speaking at the commissioning, Ms. Julie Kakayi Nsubuga, the senior manager, wholesale carrier services at MTN Uganda said that MTN feels so elated to be able to make a difference in the lives of the people it serves.

“Mothers are very important people and as MTN we are pleased that we can help make a difference in their lives by enabling them give birth in dignity and comfort.
Ms Nsubuga clarified that although the foundation would have wished to give more equipment, the hospital wards are limited by bed capacity.

“In the bigger facilities like Kamukira hospital maternity ward in Kabale district, we donated 20 beds. However, some of the maternity wards we are renovating have a small bed capacity but we are happy to give all the support we can as MTN Uganda Foundation,” she said.

Bryan Mbasa, the MTN Foundation Manager noted that up to Uganda shillings 5 billion is allocated every year by the MTN Foundation towards corporate social responsibility. The main areas of focus are improving health and education services. The Foundation also prioritizes youth empowerment and support to national causes.

“As a company there is no greater commitment that we can give Uganda, than the means to ensure the basic functional systems of the community are met. We are proud to partner with the government to support its efforts in health.” Mbasa said.
The District Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Ruyonga said that the support extended by MTN Uganda Foundation will help fill some of the health gaps in the region especially in maternal health which is under funded by government.

“We are all aware how important it is for our mothers to give birth in safe places. I am glad that MTN has brought these services to my people of Hoima,” he said.
While delivering the keynote speech, Hon. David Karubanga, the minister of state for public service and the Kigorobya Member of parliament said that in a country where many mothers die while giving birth due to the lack of such services, the MTN Uganda Foundation was doing a noble job of saving lives.

“We are very thankful that we were chosen for such a good project that is going to improve the lives of our mothers and children in Kigorobya and the neighboring communities,” she said.
Dr. Tumusiime Lawrence, the health center in-charge thanked MTN for reaching out to the facility.

“This will make our work a lot easier. We are very happy for all the help MTN has extended to us,” Tumusiime said.
Prior to its 20 year celebrations, the MTN Uganda Foundation has renovated up to 30 hospitals under its Access to Health Initiative (AHI). To date, the foundation has spent 4 billion shillings in health alone across Uganda.

About MTN Foundation

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a non-profit entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI).

The main objective of the foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities across the country by supporting and implementing sustainable projects in education, health and other national priorities.
The MTN Uganda Foundation is governed by an independent Non-Executive Board of Trustees made up on eminent members of society.

These include:

• George Egaddu (Chairman)
• Dr. Eric Adriko (Patron)
• H.E. LS Mollo, the South African High Commissioner
• Hon Maria Kiwanuka
• Dr. Paula Munderi

About MTN Uganda                 About The MTN Group