Hundreds of participants gathered today at Metroplex Mall in Naalya, Kampala, for the inaugural – “Run for Her”, as communities in Kitgum, Rwamwanja, Kyaka, Kotido, and Yumbe joined the initiative through supporting runs held across the country in solidarity with vulnerable girls in Agago District, Northern Uganda.
The run, which organizers hope will become an annual event, attracted seasoned runners, families, and community members who took part in 10km, 5km, and 2km race categories through Kiwatule and surrounding areas.
Among the day’s standout performers, Andrew Kakusu claimed first place in the 10km race, while Victoria Naija emerged winner of the 5km category. secured second place in the 5km race following a strong performance.
Running for a Cause
More than a sporting event, “Run for He” was organized to raise awareness and support for vulnerable girls in Agago whose education has been interrupted, many due to financial hardship and social challenges. Through ADRA Uganda’s intervention, beneficiaries are receiving vocational skilling opportunities aimed at helping them rebuild their futures.
The President of the Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pr. Samuel Kajoba, represented by Pr. Samuel Mwebaza, Assistant to the President, commended participants for their commitment to the cause and emphasized the importance of standing with vulnerable girls and young women.
In his remarks, Elder John Mwanza, Country Director of ADRA Uganda, highlighted ADRA’s continued efforts to support school dropouts through vocational training opportunities, including partnerships with the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI).
He shared stories of beneficiaries currently enrolled in vocational skilling programs, including:
Winnie Aceng (21), who dropped out of school in Senior Four due to financial constraints and is now gaining professional vocational skills through ADRA support.
Catherine Agamo (22), a mother of a two-year-old who left school in Senior Two in 2022 and is now pursuing a renewed path through vocational training.
“We are not just running for fitness; we are running to restore the dignity and future of girls who thought their journey had ended,” Elder Mwanza said.
Strong Partnerships and Community Support
The event began with an energetic warm-up session led by Lux Life Gym which provided professional instructors and equipment for participants before and after the race.
Runners were officially flagged off by Pr. David Ssimwogere, President of the Central Uganda Conference, alongside Elder Benon Luggya, Director of Maganjo Grain Millers.
Coinciding with Mother’s Day, the event also received support from Adventist women’s leadership. Mrs. Angela Epiaka, Assistant Director of the Uganda Union Women’s Ministries, reaffirmed continued support for initiatives focused on empowering the girl child.
The success of the inaugural run was made possible through support from partners across finance, healthcare, media, wellness, travel, agriculture, and logistics sectors, including Centenary Bank, GA Insurance, ICEA Insurance, Old Mutual, C Care, Lux Life Gym, Sites Travel, Theron Leisure Park, Maganjo Grain Millers, Kuc Gum, Hope Channel TV, and Prime Radio.
As the day came to a close at Naalya, one message stood out clearly: “Run for Her” is more than a race — it is a movement of hope for girls in Agago and a commitment to restoring dignity, opportunity, and brighter futures.
The young mother from Kotido partipating in the run
Warming up
