Shs1b marathon proceeds to improve maternal health
Giving back. Stanbic Bank managing director Patrick Mweheire (third right) and MTN’s Martin Ssebuliba pose with the two cheques that total Shs1b. PHOTO BY J. BATANUDDE
Kampala. For 15 years, the MTN Marathon has been one of the biggest races in the country. The numbers that show up and its charity touch make it a monumental event.
Yesterday saw the MTN Foundation hit new heights as they announced that the 2008 Marathon had raised Shs1bn to go towards the improvement of maternal health. Last year’s marathon raised Shs600m but the MTN Foundation chipped in with a Shs400m contribution to ensure the Shs1b amount.
Three other inaugural regional marathons in Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara complemented the main event in Kampala to raise the figure.
“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 marathon beyond Kampala to two or more regions.
“This participation was impressive as Ugandans came together raised money for the improvement of maternal health. That is the power of connections,” said MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte during the announcement at the Stanbic bank headquarters, Crested towers.
The proceeds will be shared among five regions as each marathon partner will cover an area. Stanbic will take charge of the North, Huawei the East, Vision Group the West, Rwenzori the central while MTN, Uganda Federation Association (UAF) and Spedag will be responsible for the South West.
Last year’s event saw u to 30,000 runners take part to record the biggest turn up since the marathon was inaugurated in 2004.
