Last year, about 20,000 people ran the marathon, collecting Ushs. 230 million, part of which will be handed to the Uganda Red Cross and the rest to a number of other partners to execute water projects around the country, particularly in areas where vulnerable people have no access to clean and safe drinking water.
Khumalo said MTN has always used the Kampala Marathon as an opportunity to involve thousands of Ugandans in charitable causes, which to date have collected close to Ushs 700 million. This has been used in a number of projects Northern and Eastern Uganda through the Uganda Red Cross over the years.
“The Uganda Red Cross has consistently exhibited its care of duty by delivering on these projects, from the Mama Bag Kit Donations for internally displaced people in Northern Uganda that we purchased and distributed in the early years of the MTN Kampala Marathon, to the most recent water project in Lamwo District that has given close to 30,000 Ugandans guaranteed access to clean and reliable water.” Khumalo said.
“The Uganda Red Cross has consistently exhibited its care of duty by delivering on these projects, from the Mama Bag Kit Donations that we purchased and distributed in the early years of the MTN Kampala Marathon, to the most recent water project in Lamwo District that has given close to 30,000 Ugandans guaranteed access to clean and reliable water,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, the Uganda Red Cross Secretary General, Mr. Michael Richard Nataka expressed gratitude to MTN for having chosen to work with the Red Cross to help save lives over the last 8 years. He also pledged the Uganda Red Cross would still be on hand in the Kampala Marathon 2011 to provide emergency services to all participants.
“Working with MTN over the last 8 years has seen us achieve many of our goals in saving lives and we are glad that MTN chose to partner with us on various projects including our Mama Bag appeals and our water projects. We are partners with MTN in the Kampala Marathon and we will be on the routes providing emergency services for participants who require help,” said Mr. Nataka
At the Press Conference, MTN also unveiled this year’s Marathon campaign, which will run for the next six weeks to mobilise participants to take part in the MTN Kampala Marathon.
MTN also announced the adoption of new technology to record participants speeds and times. The timing chips this year will be embedded in the participants’ bibs, which will ensure more accurate timing and reduce on the possibility of equipment damage during the race.
