Charity run fails to impress

BY BRIGHT NIWAHA

The first ever Rotaract charity run that took place on September 24 was characterised by a low turn-out of participants. Moreover, the one kilometre run began later than planned with less than 30 people.

However, a number of fun activities were later conducted. These included games like chair- dancing, kwepena, tennis, volleyball, bottle-filling, relays, among others. The run, organized by the Uganda Christian University Mukono Rotaract Club and Play- for-Charity, was held at the university sportsground to fundraise and reach out to the underprivileged.

According to the President of the Rotaract Club of Mukono, Mr Joachim Mumbere, the move had a humble beginning since it was the first of its kind by the UCU Rotaract Club. “The run was organised to help the underprivileged, specifically the women prisoners in Kauga Prisons, and the Little Voices Africa Orphanage in Mayuge District.

The cash collected from the run will be used to these institutions to enable them get basic needs, education requirements and improve their health facilities,” he said. The chief runner, Ms Cynthia Asiimwe, a Rotarian in Mukono, says that she is happy that students can think about helping the community they live in.

“Do not give up because of the low turnout. This is just the beginning,” she says.

One of the participants and UCU alumnus, Tony Okello, though happy to have run for a cause, was not quite pleased about the organisation of the event.

“I am however disappointed with the poor mobilization. More people should have been convinced, vigorously, to be part of the event and to also give. Being the centre of excellence in the heart of Africa, UCU organised events should be on point!” he said.

He added: “Many entities, including the bank I work with, are always happy to join such events because they are included in their goals and strategies. They would be glad to engage in such social responsibility activities.” Shallon Manake, a student, said the university administration should have impacted much in organising the run since it is such activities that market the name of the institution.

UCU in Rotary club charity run

BY AGATHA MUHAISE

The Rotary club of Uganda Christian University (UCU) is organising a charity run and sports gala. The event is set to take place on September 24, 2016 at the main football pitch in Mukono.

The Managing Director and CEO of Vision Group, Mr Robert Kabushenga, will officiate the ceremony and Mr Lawrence Mulindwa, the former president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is expected to attend. Festivities will begin in the morning with one and two kilometer runs. The participants of the run will pay Shs 10,000 for a ticket. Other games will include football, volleyball, netball, basketball, pool, video games, sack race, a rope challenge and dodge-ball. The day will be crowned with a concert at 7 pm with performances from artists like Coopy Bly, Pablo and the Homers Poetry club.

Proceedings will go to the orphanage of Little Voices Africa, to assist them acquire basic needs, health care and education. Other funds will be dedicated to the provision of sanitary and hygiene necessities for the Kawuga prison female inmates.

Makerere University, Kampala University, Kampala International University and Ndejje are the other universities expected to take part in the events.