HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I MTN Uganda Foundation, an affiliate to the country’s biggest telecommunications firm, has donated relief items to individuals affected by the Kiteezi garbage landfill landslide in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District.
The items, which included blankets, jerrycans, buckets, mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulins, nylon rope, plates, cups, serving ladles, forks, spoons, knives, washing soap, saucepans, and water purification tablets are to go to 200 devastated families.
Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda CEO, who communicated through a press release, said the Foundation has partnered with the Uganda Red Cross Society and Office of the Prime Minister to distribute relief kits equipped with essential household items
“Our hope is that these provisions will offer some comfort and support to the affected families during this challenging time,” said during the donation’s handover ceremony at MTN headquarters in Kampala, Friday.
MTN -RED CROSS
She said they believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern life, including access to essential resources and a good livelihood, adding that the support is part of the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which is dedicated to fostering resilience and supporting communities in times of crisis.
She reaffirmed MTN Uganda’s commitment to continue standing by the Ugandan people, working alongside its partners to deliver relief aid, foster recovery, and build resilience.
“MTN Uganda’s commitment to community support has been evident over the past decade, including crucial aid during landslides and flooding in various parts of the country as significant contributions during the coronavirus pandemic,” she pointed out.
Robert Kwesiga, the Secretary General of Uganda Red Cross Society appreciated MTN Uganda for always coming through to support the disaster stricken families whenever an emergency occurs.
“We have always seen MTN Come through to support, and in fact, they are always the first to respond whenever we have disasters in the country,” he said.
He added that they have seen such gestures of generosity in Kisoro, Bududa, Mbale, Bunambutye, Kasese, Northern Uganda, Ntoroko, Kiryandongo, where MTN responded to a number of emergencies.
“The most recent COVID-19 that ravaged the country and everywhere in the world, MTN didn’t leave Ugandans to suffer alone. We have partnered in so many ways and I greatly appreciate you,” he said.
Pamela Komujuni, Senior Disaster Management Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister said: “Through the MTN Foundation, we have seen many lives touched. We work closely with the Uganda Red Cross to respond to disasters of this nature, like the case in Kiteezi.
She said seeing corporates such as MTN come through, is a sign that Private Sector is supportive of Humanitarian causes.
“We thank you and pray that others can emulate your example, so that Ugandans can come through to support fellow Ugandans who are distressed by the incident in Kiteezi. The Government has done something, but we can do more with your support,” said Komujuni.
Latest updates from the Uganda Red Cross Society indicate that more than 30 people have tragically lost their lives, dozens hopitalised with others still missing.
An estimated 600-700 individuals have been affected following the August 10 incident
