By James Alomu

SOROTI – Hundreds of traders at Soroti Main Market have applauded MTN Uganda for organizing a community outreach initiative that combined environmental conservation, healthcare services, blood donation, and the recognition of outstanding merchants.

The event, dubbed Yello Fest, attracted MTN Uganda staff, city leaders, health workers, and market vendors, who spent the day participating in activities aimed at improving the welfare of traders and strengthening community ties.

The day began with a market cleanup exercise, with MTN staff and vendors working side by side to de-silt drainage channels, collect waste, and fumigate key sections of the market. Areas that frequently experience flooding during heavy rains, including the foodstuffs section, second-hand clothes stalls, and boda boda stage, were prioritized during the exercise.

Speaking at the event, John Ongura, Manager of MTN Uganda's Soroti Office, said the initiative reflects the company's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“We are not just a telecom company; we are part of this community. Through Yello Fest, we are expressing our gratitude to the people of Teso who have supported us over the years. We believe that a clean and healthy market creates better opportunities for traders and contributes to economic growth,” Ongura said.

The initiative also featured a free health camp conducted in partnership with Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, and Zuri Health. Traders and residents received medical services, including blood pressure and diabetes screening, HIV testing and counseling, malaria testing, and general consultations.

A blood donation drive held alongside the health camp attracted dozens of volunteers. Atoori Hildah Geroline, a Blood Donor Recruiter at Soroti Blood Bank, welcomed the partnership, noting that the blood collected would go a long way in saving lives across the region.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of loyal merchants and MTN Mobile Money agents operating within and around Soroti Main Market. Awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated excellence in customer service, maintained high transaction volumes, and consistently utilized MTN's digital platforms.

Aliabu Samuel, Chairperson of Soroti Main Market Vendors, commended MTN Uganda for what he described as an unprecedented show of corporate responsibility.

“This is the first time we have seen a company come to our market to clean, provide health services, and reward traders at the same time. It is a gesture that has made our people feel valued and appreciated,” he said.

Many traders described the event as memorable, saying it demonstrated the importance of partnerships between the private sector and local communities.

The outreach comes at a time when MTN Uganda is expanding its network coverage across the Teso sub-region.The company commissioned a new telecommunications site in Lale Sub-county to improve connectivity and address persistent network challenges in the area.

Dorcus Muhwezi, MTN Uganda's General Manager in Charge of Customer Experience, reaffirmed the company's commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction through improved services and continued investment in community-centered initiatives.

As the curtains fell on Yello Fest, traders expressed hope that similar engagements would become a regular occurrence, describing the event as a shining example of how corporate entities can positively impact the communities they serve.