The MTN Uganda through the MTN Uganda Foundation has today handed over ten new Police Booths constructed on different locations along the 21 kilometer Northern By-Pass to the Uganda Police Force. The booths that were constructed at a total cost of UShs. 110 million will go a long way in supporting the Uganda Police with Community Policing as well as enhancing their Emergency Response activities in the area.
Officially receiving the booths at a ceremony which took place at the Najjera Fly Over, the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura hailed MTN for this community and people centric initiative. Other locations along the Northern By-Pass include: Namboole Round About, Namugongo Fly Over, Naalya Round About, Bukoto Fly Over, Kyebando Round About, Kalerwe Round About, Namugoona Round About, Masanafu Round About and Busega Round About.
“The Uganda Police welcomes this initiative by MTN Uganda Foundation and we believe that these booths will be utilized to enhance our work in ensuring continued safety and security for the community that lives and works in the areas around the Northern By-Pass. This is one of the high traffic areas and therefore this is a much welcomed gesture,” Kayihura said.
He added that this was a timely intervention particularly in the current climate where security is of particular concern for the Government of Uganda and for all citizens alike.
MTN Uganda’s CEO Mazen Mrouè, said the idea of constructing the booths was hinged onto the relevance of Community Policing and the fact that the Northern By-pass has become a convenient route for both motorists and pedestrians, plying it even deep in the night.
He stressed MTN’s commitment to continue identifying community needs that require support; he said the MTN Uganda has always looked at supporting relevant and impactful community initiatives.
Over the last 15 years since MTN Uganda started operations in Uganda, it has partnered with the Uganda Government in matters of disaster response and now security and safety of the people. The MTN Foundation for the year 2013 has focused on 3 key priority areas which include; Education, Health and National Priority Areas. Mroue recognized the fact that security is indeed a National Priority Area for the Ugandan Government, particularly now- following some recent unfortunate events in the region that have led to a special emphasis on enhancement of safety for all citizens.
“At MTN Uganda, we realize and understand the importance of continued support towards the communities where we operate. The Uganda Police have done a commendable job in ensuring the safety of the people of Uganda. Today, MTN Uganda is demonstrating the need for corporate citizens to join hands with the Government to support this crucial work,” said Mrouè.
He said that MTN Uganda will continue to do its part as a responsible Corporate Citizen to ensure viable and sustainable development for the people of Uganda.
Just a week ago, the MTN Uganda Foundation contributed items worth UShs. 150 million towards the rehabilitation of the Kilembe Mines Hospital in Kasese District- Western Uganda as an effort to contribute to the welfare of the people following the aftermath of flood disaster which hit the district earlier this year in May, leaving in its wake immense challenges including poor sanitation and hygiene.
Giving a brief chronology of MTN Foundation initiatives, Mrouè said in 1999, MTN partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for displaced people the first being in Mbale and Hoima districts. Since then, MTN Uganda has built a total of 237 homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity housing close to 1380 individuals; this is the largest number of homes funded by a corporate company.
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.
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