MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, Tuesday paid a significant courtesy visit to His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, at his Igenge Palace.
The high-level meeting underscored the telecommunications giant’s enduring partnership with the kingdom and saw Mulinge pledge enhanced support for key social initiatives, including the fight against teenage pregnancies, and new sponsorship for women’s sports.
Mulinge, accompanied by a delegation of top MTN managers, was officially received by Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Owek Joseph Muvawala and the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Partnerships and Business, Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor, before being ushered into an audience with the Kyabazinga.
During their discussions, the Kyabazinga extended a warm welcome to Mulinge, expressing profound gratitude to MTN Uganda for its consistent association with Busoga’s rich culture and its substantial support for various kingdom activities.
He applauded MTN’s seven-year commitment, which includes the proud sponsorship of the Kyabazinga’s Coronation Anniversaries, the popular MTN Busoga Masaza football tournament, the MTN Masaza Cycling Race, and the annual Iftar for the Muslim community.
The Kyabazinga also highlighted crucial initiatives championed by himself and the Inhebantu, particularly the “Abasadha n’empango” (men are Pillars) campaign.
This initiative, implemented by Kyabazinga Initiatives with support from UN agencies and other partners, focuses on inspiring men and boys to actively combat societal vices such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and to promote children’s education and improved youth livelihoods across Busoga and Uganda.
Owek. Muvawala underscored Busoga Kingdom’s strong image, which he believes is worthy of association. He called upon the people of Busoga to reciprocate MTN’s support by embracing all its services and programs, drawing on the Kisoga phrase, “Mwino akuwa gw’owa” (one gives to he who gives you).
Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor further appreciated MTN for its role in the mutual building of both brands and urged for an extension of support into other areas.
In response, Mulinge conveyed MTN’s deep appreciation for the Kyabazinga’s endorsement and the goodwill extended by the kingdom.
She reaffirmed MTN’s unwavering commitment to existing programs and made significant new pledges. “Through the MTN Foundation, we are ready to support the King’s initiatives by investing in Education, Health, and the improvement of youth livelihoods,” Mulinge stated.
Mulinge pledged MTN’s direct involvement in the Kyabazinga’s campaign against teenage pregnancies and for keeping children in schools, emphasizing the urgent need to empower young women to complete their education and forge sustainable futures.
In an inclusive move, she also announced MTN Uganda’s intention to commence sponsorship of women’s sports within the kingdom.
