It only required Savio Uwumukiza, a senior six student at St Justine College, Nkanka in Rusizi District, Western Province, to use his MTN line to send text messages to own a new brand new car.

MTN`s Chief Marketing Officer, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, handing over the car key to Savio Uwamukiza, the winner of the first Sharama draw.

Uwumukiza 21, was on Thursday the first lucky winner of the three car from the telecom company ongoing promotion dubbed ‘Sharama’.

“I was so excited and could not believe it until this key was handed over to me with all the documents to prove I own this car,” Uwumuciza told The Sunday Times shortly after receiving his prize.

The draw that started on July 15 will see two other lucky winners driving the same car model. MTN says that the cars cost Rwf 14 million each.

Many other lucky winners also walked away with various prizes including motorcycles, laptops, bicycles, mattresses, phones. Others received cash worthy Rwf 50,000.

Yvonne Manzi Makolo, MTN`s Chief Marketing Officer, called on the public to continue sending or taking part in the competition so as to benefit.

“Every contestant has the same chances to win but who actually wins beats others by the many points he or she gets,” said Makolo.

Sending that text message cost the MTN customer Rwf 35. MTN officials say the more one sends his chances to win increase as well each other day.

The second car and other prizes will be given out early next month. The draw is expected to run until September 26, when the third and last car will be given out.

By Susan Babijja, The New Times