Over the weekend, MTN Uganda's two-day "Free Your Fire" campaign brought smiles to hundreds of residents across the Teso Sub-region, combining education support, healthcare services, customer engagement, and entertainment in an initiative aimed at strengthening ties with local communities.

The campaign, held in Soroti and Katakwi districts, culminated in a colourful event at Soroti Sports Grounds where MTN rewarded customers and showcased a range of services. However, for two families, the occasion became a life-changing moment after their children were awarded a full year's school fees sponsorship under an MTN Mobile Money promotion.

Among the beneficiaries was Opama James of Soroti, whose daughter attends Ngora Girls' Secondary School. Speaking shortly after receiving the award, James expressed gratitude to MTN Uganda, describing the sponsorship as a timely intervention that would ease the financial pressure on his family.

"I would like to thank MTN Uganda for this opportunity. Mobile Money has made paying school fees simple and convenient. This sponsorship means a lot to us, and I encourage parents to continue embracing Mobile Money because it is reliable, affordable, and easy to use," he said.

James also dismissed social media rumors suggesting that MTN Uganda was planning to cease operations in the country, saying the company's continued investment in communities demonstrated otherwise.

Another beneficiary, Ebiacu Moses, could hardly conceal his excitement after learning that his daughter, Akulo Catherine, a student at Aloet Parents Secondary School, had also secured a year's sponsorship.

"I never imagined I would be among the lucky winners because many people use Mobile Money. This sponsorship has relieved me of the burden of paying school fees for my daughter this year," Ebiacu said.

He encouraged parents to embrace digital payment platforms, noting that Mobile Money had significantly reduced the costs and risks associated with carrying cash.

"Today, you can pay school fees from your bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere using your phone. It saves both time and transport costs, allowing parents to focus on other family needs," he added.

Beyond rewarding customers, MTN's outreach delivered a host of community-focused services, including free health screening in partnership with Zuri Health, blood donation drives conducted alongside the Uganda Red Cross, customer care clinics, and a clean-up exercise at Soroti Main Market.

The event also featured football matches, cooking competitions, entertainment from local and national musicians, and recognition of outstanding Mobile Money merchants and agents.

Residents used the opportunity to commend MTN for its services while raising concerns about network challenges and the cost of some products. Akwii Joyce Mary, a resident of Ngariam Sub-county in Katakwi District, praised the company for improving communication through affordable airtime and internet bundles but appealed for a review of charges on the XtraTime airtime borrowing service.

"When you borrow airtime worth Shs1,000, you end up paying back more than what you borrowed. We ask MTN to consider reviewing these charges," she said, adding that internet bundles sometimes appear to be exhausted faster than expected.

Similarly, Imalingat Tom called for improved network coverage in Ngariam and surrounding areas, noting that Mobile Money had become an important tool in supporting livelihoods and government programs such as the Parish Development Model.

Responding to the concerns, MTN East Regional Commercial Manager Allan Njagala said the campaign was designed to engage customers directly and gather feedback to improve service delivery.

"We have spent two days listening to our customers across the Teso Sub-region. Issues regarding network coverage have been noted and are already part of our expansion plans. MTN Uganda is here to stay and remains committed to providing better connectivity and expanding financial inclusion through Mobile Money," Njagala said.

He revealed that the company had recently commissioned a new network site in Lale, Soroti District, through a partnership with Towerco of Africa to improve connectivity in underserved communities.

MTN Soroti Branch Manager John Ongura emphasized that the outreach was intended to bring services closer to customers.

"We decided to come to our customers instead of waiting for them to visit our service centers. Whether it is replacing SIM cards, resolving internet challenges, accessing Mobile Money services, or purchasing affordable smartphones, our teams are here to help," Ongura said.

He also reiterated that reports alleging MTN Uganda was exiting the country were false, noting that many Ugandans are shareholders in the company following its public listing.

As the "Free Your Fire" campaign moves on to Mubende and the Busoga Sub-region, its impact in Teso is expected to linger long after the music has faded and the crowds have dispersed.

For the families of Opama James and Ebiacu Moses, the weekend will be remembered as the moment a simple Mobile Money promotion transformed their children's educational journey and reaffirmed the value of community-focused corporate initiatives.