MTN Uganda through its foundation has donated Shs 50 million towards the Elgon region flood victims through the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS). The money will be used to buy non-food relief items to support up to 100 of the families that have been displaced.
The devastating floods ensued after two rivers burst their banks, following the heavy rains that hit the Elgon region.
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The flash floods submerged farms, homes, shops, and roads. Thousands of people were displaced while more than 24 others lost their lives. The most affected districts include Mbale, Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Sironko, and Namisindwa,
While handling over the dummy cheque to the Red Cross at the MTN headquarters, MTN's acting chief executive officer, Andrew Bugembe expressed the firm's sympathy to all people affected by the floods.
"Facing such a disaster at such a critical time as the country is recovering from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is a tough trial. As MTN Uganda, we stand with the people of the Elgon region who have suffered great loss in these heavily destructive flash floods. We hope that this modest support we have rendered will offer them comfort and a foundation for social and economic recovery," Bugembe said.
MTN’s contribution of Shs 50 million shall be used to provide for 100 households non-food-item kits to reach out to the most vulnerable families comprising of children, women, disabled people and the elderly.
Each of the kits contains 2 cooking pots, 6 cups, 6 plates, 1 knife, 1 ladle, 2 jerry cans, 3 blankets, 3 mosquito nets, 3 bars of soap, and 1 tarpaulin for shelter.
While receiving the cheque, Robert Kwesiga, the Uganda Red Cross Secretary General appreciated MTN for always supporting disaster-stricken communities across the country.
"This is not the first time MTN Uganda has supported people affected by disasters. We are happy to have a company like MTN that has always supported us in extending relief to various communities that are hit by disasters," Kwesiga said.