MTN Uganda has today (Thursday, 5th October) launched the 14th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon.
The 14th edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which will run under the theme ‘Respect Your Cause’, will offer a different experience to participants to select a cause they would prefer to run for. Participants can now choose to register and run for either the improvement of maternal health or the reduction of cancer among school children.
“MTN Uganda and partners have proposed two causes for participants in this year’s marathon to personally identify with; proceeds from their contributions will then go to the cause of their choice. We believe that the power of choice is important and empowers participants more to represent their cause,” said Wim Vanhelleputte, the CEO MTN Uganda during the press launch at the MTN Towers on Thursday.
Several causes went through a rigorous needs assessment process from MTN Uganda and eventually two were selected for participants of the marathon to make their choice.
The two identified causes are:
1. To reduce exposure of school going children to cancer caused by carcinogens present in asbestos roofing of public schools.
2. To improve maternal health through providing better facilities in Kiswa and Komamboga health centres.
The marathon will take place on November 19th 2017, with the proceeds apportioned to these two causes based on the contributions that have been raised for each.
“We are going to paint the city of Kampala yellow once again as people turn up to represent their causes that will improve the livelihoods of communities,” Vanhelleputte added.
The MTN Kampala Marathon is made possible through a partnership of Stanbic Bank, Huawei, Rwenzori Mineral Water and the Vision Group. The IAAF certified marathon will be organized the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).
Speaking about their partnership with MTN for the Marathon Kevin Wingfield, Stanbic Bank’s Executive Director and Head Personal and Business Banking said, “Stanbic bank is honored to join MTN as sponsors in Uganda’s biggest athletics event, while helping to raise money for what are two very worthy causes. Cancer caused by asbestos is a forgotten problem while poor maternal healthcare is still a major challenge that afflicts thousands of Ugandan women.”
He added, “We have consistently supported the MTN Kampala Marathon because it aligns with Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) vision. We are also proud of the fact that we contribute the largest number of runners from a single company with over 200 runners each year. I personally look forward to participating in the event this year.”
In 2015 and 2016, the UGX 500m proceeds of the MTN Kampala Marathon were channeled towards the construction eco-friendly sanitation facilities in Kampala. The intention was to improve overall basic hygiene and thus stem the spread of diseases in over ten schools and communities served.
Since inception, the MTN Kampala Marathon has raised more than UGX 3bn to support several causes including but not limited to improving access to clean water and sanitation, supporting maternal health through providing Mama Bags with the Red Cross to Ugandans in IDPs, to mention but a few.
Development efforts boosted by contributions raised from the MTN Kampala marathon participants and partners are appreciated and visible in the Northern and central parts of the country. More than 200,000 runners have participated in the 13 editions so far.
Participants will dial *165*1*5# to register with MTN Mobile Money. The minimum registration contribution is UGX 23,000/- but participants can contribute even more this charitable cause. Those that register with cash starting 6th November 2017 at various registration points, will be required to make a minimum contribution of UGX 25,000/-.
In attendance were partners Huawei, Rwenzori Mineral Water and the Vision Group and officials from Uganda Athletics Federation and the Uganda Police AIGP Andrew Sorowen who pledged safety of all marathon participants.
