MTN Uganda has today donated 80 patient beds to various Health Centers IIIs in Tooro Kingdom. The beds were received by Omukama of Toro; King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, handed over by MTN Uganda Chief Executive, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte.
The hand over follows a partnership MTN Uganda signed with the Tooro Kingdom last year to support the Kingdom in her efforts to uplift the social, economic and cultural life of the people of Tooro. The standing partnership worth UGX700 million will be executed over a two year period and will cover programs in health, education and culture.
While handing over the kitted beds at the King’s Palace in Fort Portal, Vanhelleputte said that the telecom company recognizes the very important role that Health Centers IIIs play in the communities as they are the closest health centers to the population. He added that the telco as well recognizes the need to support these health centers to offer decent health care to the people.
“For most people living in these communities, their first point for specialized health care is these Health Center IIIs and as such it is imperative that they are well equipped to offer decent health care services. MTN Uganda feels that we can make a difference by supplementing some of needs assessment to health centers through support like this,” Vanhelleputte further explains.
While concluding his remarks, Vanhelleputte said the telecom company believes in working with cultural institutions because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.
“At MTN, we believe that we are good together. When we work together, we can achieve milestones that nobody can on their own. We also know that government is overwhelmed with several competing priorities and its therefore our duty to come in whenever we can,” he said.
Whereas the government has over the years made efforts to improve the health sector, there is more that can be done to supplement government efforts especially in Health Centre IIIs.
Tooro Kingdom Minister of Health, Dr. Tito Beyeza Abwooli appreciated the support of partners who have supported health initiatives in Tooro like health outreaches and equipment. His deputy Dr. Richard Mugahi, said the Kingdom delivers around 90,000 babies a year which stretches the facilities that are available and that the contribution from MTN Uganda will help to address the gap in equipment and improve the quality of health services in the Kingdom.
Rt. Hon Bernard Tungakwo the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom also thanked the telco for caring and supporting the people of Tooro over the years.
“I am happy to note that MTN Uganda has over the years shown its care for the people of Tooro. Our association stretches years back, and this support is further testament to the bond that exists between the people of Tooro and MTN. We are indeed grateful for all the support you have extended to the kingdom and pledge to continue supporting MTN in whatever way we can,” Tungakwo said.
