NYARUGENGE - Jean-Damascene Mushana yesterday drove away with a Scorpio worth Rwf 8m after trying his luck in the ITEC Lotto.

The Lottery organized by ITEC in collaboration with SMS Media, saw thousands of Rwandans win different prizes from June all the way to August.

The prizes included MTN airtime, digital cameras and Ipod shuffles.

"These were won weekly since the ‘60 crazy days’ of competition started. One digital camera, 5 ipods and airtime were won every week,” said Marc Deleu, the CEO of BCS Tuvugane Group.

"I always thought winning a lottery was only meant for a few, I have finally come to realize that it’s really luck,” said a happy Mushana as he waved the keys of his new ride.

Mushana is an Information Science Technician. He lives in Nyamirambo.

The second prize, 2 air tickets worth Rwf1.4 m to Brussels, was won by 17 year old Marie-Claire Umutoni.

 "It’s amazing that I am going to fly in an airplane and travel the world,” the S.4 student excitedly said.

Isaac Samaki, got third prize, a laptop and a printer worth Rwf 450,000.He said he had been planning to buy a laptop.

"I can’t believe I got a laptop at only Rwf 500,” Samaki who hails from Rutsiro, exclaimed.

Entering the competition was based on sending an sms with the word ITEC 124. ITEC invested 16 million in the competition which they say, was fair. An sms cost Rwf500 but people were encouraged to send more than one sms in order to increase their chances of winning.

MTN offered 26 mobile phones which were given away during promotions in order to entice people to join the competition.

"We are grateful that it has been this successful yet it’s the first time lotto through sms media has taken place in Rwanda,” said Jean Paul Ndahimana, SMS Media Marketing and Campaigning advisor.

ITEC dubbed this the fairest Lotto that Rwanda has ever seen.
The Lotto was meant to publicize ITEC since it’s a new company on the market. It deals in IT Equipment.

"Since it’s only one year old, it was important to make it known so that we could compete in the market,” explained Deleu.

The award ceremony took place at ITEC offices situated in the Union Trade Centre building in Kigali city.

Ends