MTN Uganda has launched a MoMoPay Merchant Code 191919 through which customers can donate funds to support the relief effort, especially for those most affected by the economic and social devastation brought on by coronavirus.
According to a press release, MTN customers need to dial *165*3# then enter the code 191919 and donate any amount of money they wish to.
Proceeds from this intervention are meant to help fund efforts of the Uganda Red Cross as it works to help combat further spread of the virus and support those who are finding it hard to fend for themselves.
Speaking at a news conference hosted on www.facebook.com/mtnug, MTN Uganda CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, reiterated the company’s commitment to stand together with Ugandans by doing everything it can to reduce the impact that covid19 is having on their lives.
“MTN Uganda will continue to look at ways of supporting our communities and government, to ensure that together, we do everything feasible to get through this difficult time.” Vanhelleputte committed.
Speaking at the news conference, Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga appreciated MTN’s gesture and reiterated the society’s commitment to alleviate the human suffering that is increasingly being experienced by communities especially the most vulnerable people in society.
MTN Uganda scrapped all charges to send any amount of money using MTN Mobile Money, in a move to minimize the physical exchange of paper money as it was noted as one of the ways the virus can spread.
The company also launched a data bundle that is enabling customers to work from home. Dubbed ‘Work from home’, the data bundle is meant to promote the concept of ‘social distancing’ while reducing the anticipated negative impact that limited movement and contact between people, may have on both the economic and social fabric of our society.
The ‘work from home’ data bundle can be accessed through Mobile Money by dialing *165*19# or through the MyMTN app.
MTN Uganda also made Ushs 500 million available, to facilitate efforts to prevent, manage and curb the spread of covid 19 in Uganda. Ushs 297 million of that money has already been disbursed to the Uganda Red Cross, who are using the funds for their execution plan that includes community sensitization and surveillance, ambulance services, psychological support, case tracing and handling referrals among other interventions.
It’s also now free to check for covid 19 updates at www.who.int , www.health.go.ug and www.covid19.gou.go.ug. Customers will not be charged for browsing these sites.
