Stanbic Bank has handed over a UGX 250 million cheque to telecom company MTN to honor its sponsorship of the annual MTN Kampala Marathon. This is a 25m increase compared to the last two years.
The Bank has been a key long-term partner and supporter of the Marathon since its inception 15 years ago. This year, the event will take place on the 25th of November 2018 and proceeds will go towards improving maternal health in the country.
While handing over the cheque, the Stanbic Bank CE Patrick Mweheire said, “We have consistently supported the MTN Kampala Marathon because it aligns with Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) vision and we hope that our support continues to transform lives in our communities. According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Uganda’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has consistently been one of the highest in the world with 440 deaths per 100,000 live births. This means one woman out of every 49 will die of a maternal complication related to pregnancy or delivery. We believe corporate partnerships like this one with MTN will go a long way in providing lasting solutions for such tragedies and loss of human life.”
He added; “We have increased our financial support from UGX 225 million the last two years to UGX 250 million this year. However, our objective as a bank is to build on the 15 years of success not only through our financial support but through the participation of our staff. Notably, we contribute the largest number of runners from a single company with over 200 staff members participating annually.”
MTN CEO Wim Vanhelleputte thanked Stanbic Bank for the continued support over the years. He said, “The MTN Kampala Marathon would not have the impact it has had without our various partners including Stanbic. Together, we have continued to encourage thousands of Ugandans to contribute towards needy communities every year. Maternal health is an area that requires improvement especially in terms of seeking, reaching and receiving adequate and appropriate care. Through such partnerships, we will be able to improve these conditions to ensure safe childbirth for women.”
Over the years, the marathon has raised nearly Shs 2bn to support a variety of causes in Uganda. Proceeds from 2017 (about Shs 600m) for example went towards replacing asbestos roofing in Kampala schools and improving maternal health in Kiswa and Komaboga health centers. So far, replacement of asbestos roofing has been completed at Nakasero Primary School. The MTN Foundation and KCCA are currently working on completing the implementation of these projects.
“We encourage and look forward to more numbers in supporting this cause.” Mweheire concluded.
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About Stanbic Bank Uganda
Stanbic Bank Uganda is a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets. Standard Bank Group reported total assets of R2 trillion (about USD165 billion) at 31 December 2017, while its market capitalization was R317 billion (about USD28 billion).
The group has direct, on-the-ground representation in 20 African countries. Standard Bank Group has 1 221 branches and 8 815 ATMs in Africa, making it one of the largest banking networks on the continent. It provides global connections backed by deep insights into the countries where it operates.
Stanbic Bank Uganda provides the full spectrum of financial services. Its Corporate & Investment Banking division serves a wide range of requirements for banking, finance, trading, investment, risk management and advisory services. Corporate & Investment Banking delivers this comprehensive range of products and services relating to: investment banking; global markets; and global transactional products and services.
Stanbic Bank Uganda personal & business banking unit offers banking and other financial services to individuals and small-to-medium enterprises. This unit serves the increasing need among Africa’s small business and individual customers for banking products that can meet their shifting expectations and growing wealth.
For further information go to www.stanbicbank.co.ug. Issued by WMC Africa on behalf of Stanbic Bank Uganda. For more information contact:
Primrose Kiberu, WMC Africa, E Mail: prim@wmcafrica.com Mobile: +256 (0) 77 2430 304