MTN Uganda Foundation handed over a donation of UShs. 10 million towards the just concluded 2nd edition of the Kagulu Rock climbing challenge, in Busoga Region- Eastern Uganda.
The cheque was handed over to the Speaker of Parliament- Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga who is also the patron of the Busoga Tourism Initiative by the MTN Uganda CEO Mazen Mroué.
The second edition of the Kagulu Rock climbing challenge that was held last weekend was a follow – up activity of the Busoga Tourism Expo that started in 2012, in Jinja. As a result of the enthusiasm generated by the expo and the desire exhibited by the participants, the organizers of the Expo resolved to organize an activity around Kagulu Hill which was one of the three sites that were earmarked to be developed into viable tourism sites in the year 2012.
Kagulu Hill located in Buyende District and some 30km from Kamuli town is an imposing attraction that apart from its scenic splendor has deep cultural and historical significance in Busoga.
Kagulu Hill rises at 3,600ft above sea level and while at its summit, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of Busoga, Lango and Teso regions.
The combination of the majestic impression of the rock and the scenic beauty that it offers to its surroundings and the cultural heritage it signifies have for many years drawn the locals to Kagulu Hill.
Since 2003, many people especially foreigners have been enjoying rock climbing at Kagulu Hill. This Fun filled activity is categorized into three area; competitors, non-competitors and students.
The two day Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge 2nd Edition took place from the 9th – 10th of May 2014.
“It is imperative for the community to be a part of the tourism enterprise to make it better and MTN Uganda realizes and understands the importance of this involvement.” said Anthony Katamba, GM Corporate Services, MTN Uganda
Tourism for Uganda is the gateway to the rest of the world, and we must utilize sites like Kagulu Rock to develop the lucrative tourism opportunities our country has to offer. “Katamba added
The Honorable Speaker of Parliament and Patron of the Busoga Tourism Initiative, Rebecca Kadaga, thanked the MTN Uganda Foundation for their continued support and contribution towards Busoga’s efforts in making Kagulu Hill a valued tourist attraction added to the Eastern Uganda Tourist Circuit and be able to spur socio-economic transformation of the people of Busoga.
Since 2009, in the area of tourism, the MTN Foundation has partnered with Community Based Tourism Initiative (COBATI), a non profit NGO whose main purpose is to support local people in Uganda to participate and benefit from tourism and its related initiatives. MTN’s partnership with COBATI was specially designed to empower the Nubian Community in Bombo, and indeed Uganda as a whole, through rural-based tourism.
The Nubians are essentially known and reputable for preserving their cultural heritage and traditions, expressed through unique colourful handcraft, dance and culinary skills.
The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its’ Corporate Social Investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Over the past five years since its launch, the MTN Foundation has supported a number of initiatives in the areas of Education, Health, Arts and Culture, Environment, Community Development and Low cost housing.
The MTN Uganda Foundation partners with both public and non-profit credible organizations to execute sustainable projects in each of the chosen focus areas. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that the selection and approval of its projects are conducted in a manner that is transparent, systematic, efficient, and effective while promoting its mission.
In 2013 and onwards, the MTN Foundation will focus on three key areas so as to leverage scale to achieve significant development impact.
The three sectors will be Education, Health and National Priority Areas under which Tourism falls.