Vision Group pumps sh250m into MTN Kampala Marathon

Vision Group has given this year's MTN Kampala Marathon a sh250m boost.

Making the offer at its headquarters today, the company also chose improvement of maternal health as its choice of charity in Sunday's event.

Vision Group's managing director Robert Kabushenga and Prentout share a light moment at the ceremony. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Improvement of maternal health is one of our Corporate Social Responsibilities, we are glad to again contribute towards this cause," said Vision Group's marketing and communication manager Susan Nsibirwa.

The company has entered 200 runners, its biggest entry ever in the 14 year event.

Vision Group's managing director Robert Kabushenga, donning kit number 2120, will lead the company's team.

Receiving the cheque, MTN's chief marketing officer Olivier Prentout thanked Vision Group for not only the financial support but also coverage of the event.

"New Vision's daily coverage has been fantastic," stated Prentout.

John Odyek, who will captain Vision Group's team, said his runners are raring to go. "After consistent training for over a month, I must say we are ready."

Prentout also called for early registration. "You can still register at the various centres. There is also the mobile money option. Don't wait for the last minute rush."

Vision Group's gesture follows sh225m and sh150m offers respectively from Stanbic Bank and Coca Cola Uganda respectively.

Prentout with some Vision Group employees display the kits for the marathon. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Telecommunications company Huawei, Uganda Athletics Federation, Uganda Police and AAR are some of the other partners.

This year participants will for the first time have the option of choosing which cause to contribute to.

One of these is the fight against cancer. This will have runners contributing towards removal of asbestos roofing from 13 Kampala schools.

Participants can also contribute to improvement of maternal health service at Kiswa and Komamboga Health Centres.

Physical registration is ongoing at sh25,000 per person. This exercise will run until November 17, two days to the marathon.

Registration and kit collection is at the MTN headquarters (former BAT along Old Port Bell Road), MTN shops at Lugogo and Forest Mall.

Others are at the MTN shops Kampala Road, Kyaggwe Road and Victoria Mall in Entebbe.