MTN Uganda Donates UGX50M Ttowards Relief of Mbale Flood Victims

MTN Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation has donated Ugx 50,000,000 towards the Elgon region flood victims through the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS). This money will be used to buy non-food relief items to support up to 100 of the families that have been displaced.

The devastating floods ensued after two rivers burst their banks, following the heavy rains that hit the Elgon region. The flash floods submerged farms, homes, shops, and roads. Thousands of people were displaced while more than 24 others lost their lives. The most affected districts include Mbale, Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Sironko, and Namisindwa,

It is against this premise that MTN Uganda, through its foundation arm which aims to improve the lives of the communities within which the Telecom operates has come in to reach out to the Elgon region floods victims with relief aid worth UGX. 50 million targeting 100 families and 600 people altogether.

While handling over the dummy cheque to the Red Cross at the MTN headquarters today, MTN Uganda’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bugembe expressed MTN’s heartfelt sympathy to all people affected by the floods.

“Facing such a disaster at such a critical time as the country is recovering from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is a tough trial. As MTN Uganda, we stand with the people of the Elgon region who have suffered great loss in these heavily destructive flash floods. We hope that this modest support we have rendered will offer them comfort and a foundation for social and economic recovery,”

MTN’s contribution of UGX. 50 million shall be used to provide for 100 households non-food-item kits to reach out to the most vulnerable families comprising of children, women, disabled people and the elderly. Each of the kits contains 2 cooking pots, 6 cups, 6 plates, 1 knife, 1 ladle, 2 jerry cans, 3 blankets, 3 mosquito nets, 3 bars of soap, and 1 tarpaulin for shelter.

While receiving the cheque, Robert Kwesiga, the Uganda Red Cross Secretary General appreciated MTN for always supporting disaster-stricken communities across the country.

“This is not the first time MTN Uganda has supported people affected by disasters. We are happy to have a company like MTN that has always supported us in extending relief to various communities that are hit by disasters.” Kwesiga said.

As a corporate citizen, MTN Uganda is committed to improving the lives of the people in the communities within which it operates. This is done by complementing the government’s efforts in various national priority areas including disaster responses.

Rashid Kyonjo

Rashid is a Public Interest Journalist based in Kampala - Uganda. He has bias for Fashion, Entertainment and current affairs. Contact Rashid on: rkyonjo@thetowerpost.com