Tigo this week spread Christmas spirit to Musanze District in the Northern Province, giving away phones and cash prizes to subscribers. 

Yvette Umutoniwase, a housewife, won the ultimate gift as she walked home Rwf500,000 richer on Monday in the telecom firm’s ongoing ‘Bonane’ promotion. Other 10 winners received cash prizes ranging from Rwf20,000 and Rwf50,000, and Android smartphones.

Umutoniwase  said she will use part of the money to start an income-generating project. 

"I thank my husband and my son who encouraged me to keep playing,” she said after receiving the cash.

She added that it was the best gift the family has ever received. 

To win, subscribers press *250* followed by a friend’s number, then # and, lastly, press yes/ok. The lucky winners are then instantly notified by a short message about what they have won. The prizes are given out weekly in the promotion started mid-last month and will end next month. More than 6,000 customers receive airtime, ranging from Rwf100 to Rwf5,000 daily.