Stanbic Bank has boosted the MTN Kampala Marathon that kicked off with a regional marathon in Soroti over the weekend with Ush250 Million aimed at curbing poor maternal health.
Patrick Mweheire, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, while handing over the Ush250 million cheque to the MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, said that the private sector should join hands and support the government in initiatives that bring about change.
“There is a big problem with maternal health, parents losing their lives as well as their children, the government has limited resources so it is always good when the private sector can join hands and help on such initiatives,” said Mweheire.
He noted the progress made by the MTN marathon in the past years.
“In 2018, Ush633 million was raised from MTN Kampala marathon and regional runs and another top-up of Ush 400 million from the MTN Foundation, altogether totalling to Ush 1.33 billion has been invested towards improving maternal health in Bulambuli, Packwach, Ntoroko, Kalangala, and Kampala health Centre IV facilities.
“ The MTN foundation is working with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA as the implementing partner on the completion of these projects which will be commissioned by the end of 2019,” he added.
Muheire noted that the bank has strongly supported the MTN marathon since its inception about 16 years ago with a continued effort to support lives.
“We have consistently supported the MTN Kampala marathon because it aligns with Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) vision and we hope that our support continues to transform lives in communities.
“This year we have made a significant contribution of Ush 250 Million towards the continued efforts to improve maternal health in Uganda,” stressed Mweheire.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Wim Vanhelleputte said the marathon is not only for contributing to the good cause (maternal health) but also about participation, having fun and living a good life.
“It’s about contributing to a good cause but it’s also about participating, having fun and living a good healthy life.
“We have been around for many years and we feel proud that we can run for a better cause with support from great institutions like Stanbic,” Wim said.
He added that “If we add the 2018 proceeds together with the additional contribution that we as MTN made because of our 20 years in service, we will end up with Ush2 billion contributions to maternal health in just one year and I think that is significant.”
Proceeds from last year’s marathon are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 health center IV facilities across the country.
This year’s MTN marathon has been coupled up with regional runs which will feature a 10km route and will be in three districts which include the Eastern region in Soroti in November, Northern Region in Arua and in Masaka.
The full marathon will be held on 24th November at Kololo Independence Grounds with a 42km route and a half marathon stint of 21km, 10km race and a 5km fun run as well as the wheelchair race.
BY FRANK SEMATA
