In a spirited and philanthropic revival, the Absa KH3 – 7 Hills Run has made its triumphant return, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to supporting girl child education. The second edition of this dynamic event promises not only the thrill of the run but also a powerful mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls.
The upcoming edition, scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Kololo Airstrip, was officially launched on Friday at Kampala Serena hotel. The title sponsor, Absa Bank Uganda, along with the organizers, Kampala Hash House Harriers (KH3), and various partners, played a key role in the launch event.
During the launch of the second edition, Mumba Kalifungwa, the Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, emphasized the significance of offering educational opportunities as a catalyst for positive change.
“We believe that education is a right that every child should have access to, regardless of gender. Every child’s story matters to us. The Absa KH3 – 7 Hills Run is our way of supporting the girl child because her story indeed matters. By choosing to run for her, as the theme for this year’s run suggests, you are choosing to keep her in school. In addition to getting involved in an activity that is good for your physical fitness,” Kalifungwa said.
Gerald Okware stood in for Hash Master Wilberforce Kyambadde at the official launch. “In our pursuit, let us embrace the spirit of Ubuntu,” Kyambadde emphasized in a speech delivered by Okware. “Ugandan girls encounter various obstacles in accessing education, including poverty, cultural norms, early marriages, unwanted pregnancies, and challenges related to menstrual hygiene management.”
The run has become a hallmark event known for its fusion of fitness and philanthropy. The renewed commitment to girl child education underscores the event’s desire to contribute to a cause that resonates deeply with societal development.
Last year’s inaugural run in May proved to be a remarkable success, drawing over 2,600 participants and raising UGX 200 million. The funds directly benefited more than 2,500 girls. Building upon this achievement, the 2024 edition strives to create an even more substantial impact in supporting efforts for girl-child education.
From last year’s proceeds, 1,159 women were supported in partnership with World Vision Uganda worth UGX 90 million to boost water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives (WASH) targeted towards strengthening proper menstrual hygiene management for girls in Northern Uganda, 1,350 girls in Mukono received reusable sanitary pads to enable them stay in school through a partnership with AfriPads Uganda, 5 teenage mothers at Wakisa Ministries had their school fees paid and returned to school through support worth UGX 30 million, 15 teen mothers and survivors of fistula at The Association for Rehabilitation and Reorientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) received UGX 30 million and skills in culinary arts, baking, tailoring and design, UGX 30 million went to Integrated Efforts for Youth & Women Empowerment (IEYAWE) – where 120 teen mothers were skilled in tailoring, knitting, and crocheting.
In this year’s edition, professional athletes are poised to add excitement, with the victor earning a land title courtesy of Bakayima Real Estate Agents.
Other partners include; Aquafina, Uganda Red Cross, DHL, UAP Old Mutual, Fenon Events, Case Medical Services, Kakira Sugar, Kampala Pharmaceuticalas, Next Media & New Vision.
As the runners lace up their shoes and the city prepares for the exhilarating event, the Absa KH3 – 7 Hills Run stands as a beacon of social responsibility, inspiring a collective effort to create lasting change through education for every girl.
The kits for the run are priced at UGX 30,000 each. Interested participants can pay using Mobile Money (Dial 2335# using MTN MoMo or Airtel Mobile Money), online with a VISA card ( https://bit.ly/AbsaRun ), or at any of the Absa Bank branches countrywide (Account name: Absa 7 Hills Hash Run; Account number: 6004404678.
