MTN Uganda and Nissan come to the aid of struggling fruit vendor

After learning of her plight via a TV news report, MTN Uganda arranged a Nissan double-cab for Night and then ‘ambushed’ her with the gift when she made her regular stop at Kitooro Market in Entebbe. 

Night’s excited reaction and tears of joy on receiving her new vehicle made headlines across the country. You can read all about that brand activation in the current issue (Issue 4 2024) of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine of the African Marketing Confederation. 

A twist to the tale 

Recently, though, there was a twist to the tale when the vehicle broke down and Night withdrew her savings to pay a mechanic to repair it. When, after two weeks the vehicle was not returned to her, she feared it had been stolen and made a public appeal for its return.  

Hearing of the situation, MTN Uganda intervened and recovered the vehicle. It was then repaired and returned to a grateful Night Ampurire. 

In a press statement, the telecommunications company said the vehicle was retrieved from the mechanic and transferred to Nissan Motorcare. 

“Nissan Motorcare completed all necessary repairs at no cost to Ms Ampurire and returned the vehicle to her on Friday, 24th January 2025. We would like to clarify that the vehicle was never stolen, as previously alleged,” the statement reads. 

“MTN Uganda is grateful to its partner, Nissan Motorcare, for their fast and efficient work in ensuring the vehicle was repaired and handed back to Ms Ampurire in excellent condition.”