Stanbic Bank Uganda on Tuesday handed over UGX 250 million (nearly $70,000) to MTN Uganda towards the 2019 MTN Marathon, an annual charity event scheduled for November 24 in Kampala.

Just like in 2018, this year’s marathon is focusing on improving maternal health care in Uganda. Stanbic has been supporting the MTN Marathon for different health causes for the last 16 years since it’s inception.

While handing over the cheque at the Stanbic head offices in Kampala, the Bank’s Chief Executive, Patrick Mweheire said the bank was honoured to be part of a noble cause that would improve the health of mothers and babies in health center IVs.

“We are pleased to partner with the MTN Marathon, it is a great initiative that reaches thousands of Ugandans and transforms lives. Supporting maternal health resonates well with the Banks Corporate Social Responsibility and we pledge to continue supporting communities where we operate,” he said.

According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Uganda’s maternal mortality is still among the highest globally with over 440 deaths per 100,000 lives meaning that 1 woman in every 49 women dies while giving birth due to maternal complications.

Receiving the cheque, the MTN CEO, Win Vanhelleputte thanked Stanbic Bank for the contribution, saying that it would go a long way in achieving the targeted goals.

“We expect to collect over UGX2 billion (almost $540,000) from 2018 and 2019, which will go towards maternal health. The maternal health need in Uganda are so many that even with the contribution from the two years might not be enough but it is a start and we are proud, we have seen the impact of our contributions and we can proudly say more Ugandans are Willing to participate  and contribute to a cause that impacts the whole community,” he said

In 2018, a total of UGX1.33 billion was collected from the Kampala and regional runs and the contribution from MTN. The money has been invested towards improving maternal health in Bulambuli, Pakwach, Ntoroko, Kalagala and Kawempe health IV facilities. These projects are expected to commissioned by end of 2019.

The 2019 regional run has already taken place in Arua on Sunday 3rd,  The others will be in Soroti on 10th and  Masaka 17th.