Uganda’s Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, alongside the Nnabagereka of Buganda, Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda, on Saturday morning flagged off a 10-kilometre charity run in Kireka, Wakiso District.
The run, organized to raise funds for the construction of an Shs8 billion multipurpose commercial complex under St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, drew participants from Kireka and surrounding suburbs.
Enthusiastic runners from all walks of life, young and old, affluent and underprivileged, braved the chilly morning to support the cause.
The day began at 6:00 AM with a limbering and warm-up session, preparing the runners for the challenge ahead. By 7:00 AM, the first batch of runners in the 10km category had been flagged off after brief opening remarks.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Alupo lauded the Church for its visionary project, emphasizing its potential to enhance both the Church’s sustainability and community impact.
“I am pleased to learn that this marathon, along with the accompanying health camp, aims not only to raise health awareness but also to support income-generating projects by the Church,” Alupo said.
She underscored the importance of empowering faith-based institutions to become self-reliant and transformational, contributing meaningfully to the spiritual, social, and economic development of their communities.
“Your participation today goes beyond physical fitness. You are running for your Church, your children, your community’s progress, and the future of our country. You are part of something greater than yourselves,” she told the participants.
The Vice President, who also serves as Woman MP for Katakwi District, extended her gratitude to the Church leadership, the parish council, and the organizing committee for their commitment to the Church’s development.
She also commended the sponsors, medical teams, and volunteers for their invaluable support, which she said embodied the spirit of unity, service, and growth.
Alupo further acknowledged His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for championing income-generating programs, particularly coffee farming, and for his promotion of health initiatives in the kingdom.
She equally praised the Nnabagereka for her ongoing advocacy for youth and girl-child empowerment, as well as her involvement in community-driven initiatives like this one.
In a major announcement, Alupo revealed that President Yoweri Museveni had contributed Shs100 million towards the Church’s income-generating project.
She concluded her remarks with a biblical message of inspiration from Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” She urged the runners to press on with hope, faith, and a vision for a future grounded in Christ.
In her address, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda expressed her appreciation to the Vice President for taking time out of her busy schedule to grace the event.
She also thanked President Museveni for his generous contribution towards the Church’s development agenda.
