Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced a partnership with MTN Uganda and Housing Finance Bank to stage the sixth edition of its annual charity event, the Kampala Hills Run.
The run, scheduled for October 12 at Kololo Independence Grounds in central Kampala, will cover 21- and 10-kilometer routes through some of the city’s iconic hills. Organizers say the event is aimed at raising money to improve conditions in public primary schools, particularly through classroom renovations, sanitation upgrades and digital literacy initiatives.
Patrick Ayota, managing director of NSSF, told reporters Wednesday that the run forms part of the Fund’s wider social investment strategy.
“Access to quality education is a key initiative in the delivery of this agenda,” Ayota said. “Together with our partners and individual participants, we are targeting to raise 1.5 billion Ugandan shillings (about $420,000) this year.”
Funds raised will support 10 public primary schools across Uganda, he said, adding that past editions have already helped refurbish 25 schools, benefiting more than 40,000 pupils. According to NSSF, those interventions have led to a 12 percent rise in enrollment and a 10 percent drop in dropout rates.
MTN Uganda, the country’s largest telecom operator, is the official partner for this year’s run and has contributed 200 million shillings. Housing Finance Bank pledged 100 million. Local broadcasters, including NBS Sport, Nation Media Group Uganda and Vision Group, are on board as media partners.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe running is more than sports, it’s a catalyst for community transformation and personal growth,” said Sylvia Mulinge, MTN’s chief executive officer. “Through partnerships like the NSSF Kampala Hills Run, we’re investing in education, uplifting communities, and building the next generation of athletes.”
Housing Finance Bank’s managing director, Michael Mugabi, framed the partnership as an investment in young learners. “Each shilling we commit is dedicated to creating classrooms that inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and improve learning spaces,” he said.
Technical support will be provided by the Uganda Athletics Federation, which will map the routes and oversee safety checks. Crown Beverages, through its Aquafina brand, will serve as hydration partner, while the Uganda Red Cross Society will provide first aid.
NBS Sport’s head of sports broadcast, Andrew Kabuura, said the event has become more than just a run. “Year after year, we have witnessed its power to transform not just classrooms, but futures,” he said.
Since its launch, the Kampala Hills Run has supported more than 15,000 pupils and facilitated the refurbishment of 60 classroom blocks, according to NSSF. Registration for this year’s edition is open online through the event’s website and via MTN’s mobile money platform.
