National Social Security Fund (NSSF), together with Kampala Capital City Authority and Kampala Hash House Harriers, have today launched the 2018 Edition of the NSSF Kampala Hash Seven Hills Run aimed at raising shs400 Million for the renovation of selected public schools in Kampala.
The run will be held on March 25, 2018 starting at Pearl Africa Primary School, Nsambya. It will cover a distance of 21km, traversing the historical seven hills of Kampala – Nakasero, Kibuli, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri and Nsambya.
Addressing media at the launch of the run at Mbuya Primary school, NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba said that this year’s proceeds from the run will go towards the renovation of selected public schools that include Mbuya Primary school and St Paul primary school Nsambya.
Mbuya CoU Primary School Headteacher Godfrey Wasswa Kijjambu (L) takes NSSF MD Richard Byarugaba on a tour of the school. Looking on is KCCA Ag. Deputy Executive Director, Juliet Namuddu
“We are proud to have raised more than shs190m in the previous runs, supporting 4 schools namely Nakivubo Settlement Primary school, St. Ponsiano primary school, Makerere University Primary school and Summit View Primary school.
“This year, we have challenged ourselves to raise more than double that amount for more schools to benefit from this cause. I therefore call upon corporate companies doing business in Kampala to join this cause to improve the learning conditions of the children in public schools in Kampala,” Byarugaba, said.
Kampala Capital City Authority has 79 Government grant aided primary schools with a total enrollment of close to 70,000 with an allocation of about shs500m per year.
Due to the inadequate funding, most of the schools have dilapidated facilities and require refurbishment, amongst other challenges.
The KCCA Ag. Deputy Executive Director, Juliet Namuddu, said, “We plan to continue to improve the functionality of the schools’ infrastructure through renovation of existing facilities as well as construction of new facilities. It is through such partnerships with organizations like NSSF that we will achieve this”
The Kampala Hash House Harriers Master, Steven Luswata said that this year’s run will be bigger and better compared to the previous ones.
“We expect about 2000 runners to participate this year. The 7 seven hills challenge is no mean feat – I therefore advise participants to start preparing now by running three to five times a week so that their bodies can adjust gradually to the long hilly run on the d-day.”
Pupils of Mbuya CoU of Uganda Primary School listen to guests during the launch of the 2018 NSSF Kampala Hash Seven Hills Run. The school will benefit from the proceeds of the run
Over 8 companies are already on board including Vision group, Monitor Publications, Pinnacle Security, Housing Finance Bank, Cementers limited, Galaxy fm, Bank of Uganda and Mukwano Industries.
NSSF has in the past years engaged in a number of social responsible projects like the recent countrywide blood donation drive which collected over 5000 units from staff, members of the Fund and the general public.