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In efforts to fight teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Busoga sub-region, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV has applauded MTN Uganda for what he described as "generous support" towards the campaign and other development programs initiated by ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga institution.
Kyabazinga revealed that teenage pregnancies and early marriages had become rampant in Busoga sub-region.
“The vices I have mentioned above were causing our young girls, especially to drop out of schools to become single mothers and so forth—at the moment we are at the centre stage of fighting teenage pregnancies and early marriages and we as well welcome MTN Uganda on board since it is a communal activity, to work together, partner and fight the vices,” the Monarch explained on Tuesday while hosting a delegation from MTN Uganda.
During the meeting at his Igenge royal palace in Jinja City, Gabula said, "we are grateful as Busoga Kingdom and we are an open door to different activities, an open door to ensure that MTN further has a larger coverage in Busoga sub-region and with the different activities, we shall work with you.”
He added that his kingdom looks forward to working with the telecom company on several projects it has established in Busoga and strengthening those already in place.
MTN Uganda's Managing Director, Sylvia Mulinge expressed hope that the discussion and partnership will eliminate teenage pregnancies so that many stranded young women finish school and ensure that they create a sustainable future for their families and communities.
“Busoga Kingdom is an important part of the MTN strategy and the story—we have done a lot of work in the kingdoms because we believe they represent the country’s fabric of Uganda; they represent the values that Ugandans uphold. However, Busoga Kingdom has been very dear to us,” Mulinge said.
Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle in Navy blue suit), MTN Uganda's CEO Sylvia Mulinge (on his right in cream gomesi) in a group photo with other MTN staff and Busoga Kingdom officials at his Igenge Royal palace in Jinja.
She added that MTN Uganda has established 180 sites in the kingdom and has created direct and indirect employment for youth with its partner World Planet Communications.
Mulinge's team t included; Martin Ssebuliba, the chairman Communications department in charge of branding and communications, Ssenyonga Ibrahim, the General Manager MTN Uganda, Dorcus Batwala, the General Manager Customer Experience and Dr. David Nsiyona, the director World Planet Communications.
During the meeting, Kyabazinga's team and his guests also discussed ways of strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.
In his brief remarks, Busoga Kingdom’s premier Muvawala said Busoga Kingdom called upon abasoga to support all MTN services and programs in Busoga.
Busoga Kingdom’s second deputy Premier Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor who is also the Head of Partnerships in the kingdom, said MTN has stood with Busoga Kingdom for seven years.
He added that MTN proudly sponsors the Kyabazinga’s Coronation Anniversaries, the famous MTN Busoga Masaza football tournament, the famous MTN Masaza Cycling race and the annual event for the Muslim community.
“Your unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent, preserving our cultural heritage, and empowering youth through education and sport has not only enriched lives but has deepened the bonds between us. The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup stands as a shining example of this shared journey—bringing our people together, inspiring excellence, and uniting us in a spirit of healthy competition and pride,” Noor said.
Kingdom officials at the event included; Busoga Kingdom’s Permanent Secretary Sajjabi Godfrey Samanya, the Head of Communication and Protocol Andrew Ntange, Education Minister Nasabu Nantale, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye, Constitutional Affairs Minister Alex Luganda and Sports Minister Amin Bbosa, among others.