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MTN Uganda has announced its partnership with Tooro Kingdom for the highly anticipated second edition of the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament. With a commitment of over Shs150 million in sponsorship, MTN is dedicated to fostering healthy living and sports development among the youth in Tooro Kingdom.

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament, organized by Tooro Kingdom, is set to attract audiences as it runs concurrently across the nine counties of the kingdom for two months. This initiative serves as a catalyst for engaging the youth in sports activities and providing them with a platform to channel their energy into healthy pursuits. MTN Uganda believes in the transformative power of sports to uplift communities and empower individuals.

According to official kingdom figures, 15 out of every 100 people in Tooro are affected by HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the urgency of raising awareness about the disease and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Rt Hon Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi Amooti, highlighted the significance of this tournament in combating this issue. He stated, “Our King HM Oyo Kabamba Iguru has dedicated a lot of his own time and effort to ensure that youths take the reins of leadership in every sphere and area where they are found, but this can only be achieved if they embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

MTN Uganda, as the main sponsor of the tournament, is deeply committed to rallying the subjects of King Oyo towards a healthier way of life. John Paul Okwi, the Head of Sponsorships and Events at MTN, expressed the company’s dedication to this cause. He emphasized, “We call upon all the subjects of King Oyo to embrace sports as we raise our voices and encourage the youth to prioritize their well-being by taking good care of themselves, both physically and mentally.”

Kingdom Prime Minister Rt Hon. Steven Kiyingi delivering a speech during the launch of the Masaza cup tounorment at Mucwa kingdom headquaters
MTN Uganda's John Paul Okwi alongside Toro Premier Stephen Kiyingi launch the bicycle race second edition as kingdom minister look on 2
MTN Uganda's John Paul Okwi alongside Toro Premier Stephen Kiyingi launch the bicycle race second edition as kingdom minister look on
Some of the participating county football teams pose for a grp photo with Prime Minister Stephen Kiyingi and MTN's John Paul Okwi
Toro Kingdom Ministers and officials attending the launch of the second edition of the masaza cup at Mucwa kingdom headquaters

The Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament not only promotes healthy living but also aligns with Tooro Kingdom’s strategic development agenda. Michael Wandera, the Tooro Kingdom Minister for Sports, commended MTN for their consistent partnership and support. Wandera stated, “We appreciate the partnership with MTN, which aims to promote healthy well-being among the youths of Tooro through sports.”

As an organization deeply rooted in corporate social responsibility, MTN Uganda remains committed to empowering communities and fostering positive change. The collaboration with Tooro Kingdom for the Masaza Football and Bicycle Racing Tournament showcases MTN’s dedication to uplifting the youth and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the spirit of sports.

 

MTN Uganda and the Tooro kingdom have donated 80 kitted patient beds to various health center III’s in Tooro Kingdom.

The donation is part of MTN’s commitment to support the kingdom in her efforts to uplift the social, economic and cultural life of the people of Tooro.

Whereas the government has over the years made efforts to improve the health sector, there is more that can be done to supplement government efforts especially in health Centre IIIs.

According to the Tooro Kingdom Deputy Minister of health Dr. Richard Mugahi said Tooro kingdom delivers around 90,000 babies a year which stretches the facilities that are available. The contribution from MTN Uganda will help to address the gap in equipment and improve the quality of health services in the kingdom.

MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte said that the telecom company recognizes the very important role that health center IIIs play in the communities as they are the closest health centers to the population and that MTN recognizes the need to support these health centers to offer decent health care to the people.

“For most people living in these communities, their first point for specialized health care is these health center IIIs as such it is imperative that they are well equipped to offer decent health care services. Following a needs assessment, MTN Uganda feels that we can make a difference by supplementing some of these health centers through support like this. We are honored to be able to make such a humble contribution,” he said.

The CEO further explained that the telecom company believes in working with cultural institutions like Tooro kingdom because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.

“At MTN, we believe that we are good together. When we work together, we can achieve milestones that nobody can on their own. We also know that government is overwhelmed with several competing priorities and its therefore our duty to come in whenever we can,” he said while handing over the beds at the kings Palace in Fortportal.

In 2020 MTN Uganda signed a partnership with the Tooro kingdom worth seven hundred million shillings (700million) to support the kingdom in various social, economic and cultural programs. The standing partnership will be executed over a two year period and will cover programs in health, education and culture.

“MTN only succeeds if the communities in which we operate succeed. Being a partner in development gives us the opportunity to support the social and economic aspirations of our customers and the Ugandan community in general. We are focused on actively demonstrating what can be achieved if we work together to enable a shared value system,” he said.

Rt. Hon Bernard Tungakwo the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom thanked MTN Uganda for caring and supporting the people of Tooro over the years.

“I am happy to note that MTN has over the years shown its care for the people of Tooro. Our association stretches years back, and this support is further testament to the bond that exists between the people of Tooro and MTN. We are indeed grateful for all the support you have extended to the kingdom and pledge to continue supporting MTN in whatever way we can,” Tungakwo said.

Tooro Kingdom Minister of Health Dr. Tito Beyeza Abwooli appreciated the support of partners who have supported health initiatives in Tooro like health outreaches and equipment .

 

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Acknowledging the role and responsibility to make a meaningful difference and impact in the lives of all, Y’ello Hope is MTN’s highly targeted response initiative harnessing the power of MTN through our brand, resources, capabilities, and technology to brighten lives across Africa and Middle East. Driven with passion and dedication by MTN across our footprint, Y’ello Hope’s purpose is to support in employees, consumers, society, and government during times of societal crisis and need bringing relief, hope, and optimism where needs are greatest.