MTN Foundation extends UGX100M support to Kiteezi Garbage Landfill victims

MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd, through the MTN Uganda Foundation, has  provided essential relief items valued at UGX 100 million to support 200 families affected by the Kiteezi garbage landfill landslide in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District.

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 that  include blankets, jerrycans, buckets, mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulins, nylon rope, plates, cups, serving ladles, forks, spoons, knives, washing soap, saucepans, and water purification tablets.

“Our hope is that these provisions will offer some comfort and support to the affected families during this challenging time,” said MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge during the donation’s handover ceremony at MTN headquarters in Kampala today.

“We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern life, including access to essential resources and a good livelihood.”

Mulinge said the support is part of the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which is dedicated to fostering resilience and supporting communities in times of crisis.

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 and approximately 600-700 individuals affected following the August.10 incident.

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. I have seen them in Kisoro, Bududa, Mbale, Bunambutye, Kasese, Northern Uganda, Ntoroko, Kiryandongo, and they have 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. The Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister works closely with the Uganda Red Cross to respond to disasters of this nature, like the case in Kiteezi.

“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,”

Mulinge 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.