The DStv Kampala Kids Run stakeholders have selected Namusita Primary School, Ekanba Primary School and Kakoge Primary School in Buyende District, Eastern Uganda, as beneficiaries of clean water systems to improve sanitation.
About Shs20 million was collected from the run which attracted over 4,000 children between 4 -14 years from over 20 schools in Kampala and Entebbe Districts. Free tickets were given to UPE schools to support their participation in the run.
During the handover ceremony held at Kakoge Primary School, Phoebe Nakabazzi, the DStv Marketing Manager, said the money collected will help provide clean water to the beneficiary schools.
“The DStv Kampala Kids Run management is grateful for all the children that participated and most importantly the parents that allowed their children participate in the run. Your immense generosity has enabled us provide safe clean water to selected schools. Through this initiative, we believe more children will be guarded from contracting water borne diseases. Today marks the accomplishment of the 2017 DStv Kampala Kids’ run pledge and we are pleased that we have fully delivered,” Ms. Nakabazzi said.
She added: “DStv took on this initiative because it speaks into sports as a cornerstone for the brand. Our goal is to encourage the young generation to engage more into different sports as they strive to make a difference in society. We also believe that sports is key to national development that is why we hold it with high regard and endeavour to support initiatives such as this.”
The DStv Kampala Kids Run comprised of two races – 1.5 kilometres and 3 kilometres. All the runners, regardless of their rank in the race, were rewarded with certificates of participation while the top 10 won themselves medals courtesy of DStv Uganda. Further, DStv Uganda rewarded the winners for the 1.5 and 3 kms races with HD Explora decoders.
Mr Robert Ziribasanga, LCV Chairman who officiated at the handover event, congratulated the children that participated in the run.
“It is inspiring to see young children come together for a great cause to support each other. We should therefore prioritise children’s wellbeing as we seek to support and encourage their skills. The contribution of water tanks couldn’t have come at a better time since the country has been experiencing a long draught season and as such access to water in less privileged schools is a challenge. Initiatives as the DStv Kampala Kids run present an opportunity not only instilling goodwill among children at an early stage but also saving our communities from disasters. Our hope is that the event continues to grow bigger and confirm government support in forthcoming events,” Mr. Ziribasanga said.
Muslin Kiwanuka, the CEO of the Kampala Kids run said: “These children have been challenged moving miles and miles to access water to their schools and spending less time in the classroom. We are glad that today we have reduced this burden for them and now they can concentrate on their studies. We are immensely grateful to our sponsors especially DStv for coming on board with us on the Kids Run.
Mr. Kiwanuka added: “They have demonstrated that they have a shared vision of making a positive impact on the lives of our future generation. The objective of this run is to train our young ones to have a giving heart and to look out for the disadvantaged. We look forward to strengthening future Kids Run editions alongside partners like them.”
The DStv Kampala Kids run event is slated to be an annual event, and some of the schools that participated in this year’s run included Namirembe Parents, Sir Apollo Kaggwa, Kabojja Junior, City Parents, Kampala Parents, Silver Spoon, Lohana Academy, Entebbe Junior and Greenhill Academy.
