Ushs One Billion raised from the 2018 MTN Marathon


Latest News | 2019-02-14

MTN Uganda today announced that the 2018 MTN Marathon Season has raised UShs 600 million to go towards the improvement of maternal health. The MTN Foundation announced its contribution of an additional Ushs400m to total Ushs 1 Billion in proceeds, in celebration of 20 year anniversary of MTN in Uganda. This is the highest amount ever raised from the 15-year legacy of the MTN Marathon.

The successful implementation of three inaugural regional marathons in Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara on top of the MTN Kampala Marathon was noted as a contributing fact to the growth of the Marathon to an event of national stature.

“We would like to thank all that participated in the MTN Marathon Season that took place in November 2018. This was the first time we took the MTN Marathon beyond Kampala to two more regions. The participation was impressive as Ugandans came together and have raised money for the improvement of maternal health. That is the power of connections,” says Wim Vanhelleputte the MTN CEO during the announcement of the proceeds the Stanbic Uganda headquarters, Crested Towers.

There were over 30,000 people that participated in the MTN Marathon Season 2018 including several first timers and elite runners. The regional marathon generated excitement as numbers for a first-time event seemed rather overwhelming.

At the main MTN Kampala Marathon, the revised and improved route meant improved times and a better running experience for elite runners, fun runners and marathon enthusiasts. About Ushs140m was spent on prize money for the MTN Marathon Season.

The MTN Marathon proceeds will be shared equally by five regions – Central, North, East, West and South West – with focus on health centres in the region. In another first, each of the partners of the MTN Marathon will be responsible for implementation of a project in a specific region.

“In order to involve all our partners in the implementation process, we made the decision that each partner takes ownership of a project in each region. We did this in order to involve partners beyond just participate beyond just sponsoring the main event,” Vanhelleputte added.

Region/District Implementing Partner
North (Gulu District) Stanbic
East (Mbale District) Vision Group
West (Hoima) MTN, UAF & Spedag
Central Huawei
South West (Mbarara) Rwenzori

 

The MTN Marathon Season was made possible by several partners including Stanbic Bank, Huawei, Rwenzori Bottling Company, The Vision Group, Spedag Interfreight and Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).

MTN MARATHON PARTNER COMMENTS:

Stanbic Bank

Speaking at the press briefing, Patrick Mweheire – Stanbic Bank’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that the efforts from all partners and the public has raised a significant amount of UGX 1 Billion to improve maternal health in Uganda. Maternal Health is an area that requires the much-needed support and attention especially for women in rural areas who face multiple barriers to accessing critical routine and lifesaving maternal health care. We’re also excited to be a part of the implementation of the projects in the regions and as Stanbic, we look forward to seeing how our efforts will support the maternal health initiatives in Northern Uganda. Stanbic remains a long-term partner in the MTN Marathon as we continue to support social investment initiatives that transform lives and communities in Uganda.”

 Last year, Stanbic Bank contributed UgShs 250 Million towards the MTN Marathon.

 Huawei

Huawei contributed Ugshs 250 million and was also represented by over 200 staff who took part in the marathon to make maternal health better in Uganda, and we continue to look forward to this opportunity so that we can continue to give back to Uganda.  We are honored to partner with MTN for this cause and we highly appreciate them for creating such an excellent platform for our staff and the organisation to participate in impactful, Corporate Social Investments.” – Liu Jiawei, Huawei Managing Director.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Uganda

 Speaking at the ceremony, Flavia M. Nabaasa, the Business Development & Commercialization Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Uganda said;

“We commend all the partners for the outstanding performance. This partnership is a classic example of what we can achieve when we combine private sector expertise and resources to collaborate with government in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. At Coca-Cola, we pride ourselves in creating impactful partnerships which ultimately benefit the communities in which we operate. In 2018, through our brand, Rwenzori pure Natural Mineral Water, we contributed; 150M UGX towards the Marathon both in cash and in kind; Plastic collection awareness to participants; Collected 254 kgs of plastic and 300 employees participated in the marathon”


Related news

MTN Uganda is regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission, reachable on 0800222777 (Toll Free)