By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda: MTN Uganda together with its partners Huawei, Stanbic bank, New Vision, Rwenzori, NBS TV, and KCCA – the host city, has announced the 2022 edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon, which shall take place on Sunday 20th November 2022 under the theme; “Run for Babies”. This announcement comes after a two-year break due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
First, run in 2004, the MTN Kampala Marathon has been a mainstay on the Ugandan sports calendar and a major springboard for East Africa’s elite athletes. In addition to being the most professional Marathon in the region, the MTN Kampala Marathon has earned its place as the biggest charity-inspired marathon, giving participants a good reason to run, not only for their own health and fitness but to also contribute to projects that have supported communities over the years.
While launching the MTN Kampala Marathon 2022 at the MTN Uganda Head offices today, Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer announced that the proceeds from this year’s Marathon shall be used again to upgrade maternal and newborn facilities in health centres across the country.
“It is with great joy that we resume the most anticipated sports activity in the East African Region after a two year break due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is bigger and better, and its purpose is doing good to the communities. The beneficiary health facilities include Kisenyi and Kawaala Health Facilities in the suburbs of Kampala plus those in Kachumbala (Teso Sub-region) and Kabong (Karamoja sub-region)”. Said Sylvia Mulinge.
It should be noted that UGX 900m was raised from the MTN Marathon editions of 2018 and 2019 and that together with a top of UGX 400m from MTN Foundation was used to refurbish maternal wards in four health centres across the country.
Since 2004, the MTN Marathon has raised over UGX 4billion and benefited several causes like helping expectant mothers with maternal kit, resettling people displaced by war in northern Uganda and most recently, improving maternal in health facilities.
Samuel Chen, Vice President Huawei Regional Office revealed that they are contributing Ush.280 million. “After the two-year marathon thirst, we are happy to be running again this year for a good cause,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Anne Juuko Makubuya says that they have partnered with MTN for 8 tears.
“There is magic in partnership when we come together. The impact of what we can do is immeasurable,” she added.
On her part, Dorothy Kisaka the KCCA Executive Director welcomed the support from different partners. “The current status of maternal, newborn, & child health services in the city is characterized by heavy congestion in public health facilities, & high death rates of mothers and newborns. This support is a step in the right direction,” she noted.