The National Social Security Fund has today launched the NSSF Kampala Hash Seven Hills Run, an initiative aimed at raising Shs240 million to be channeled to selected Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) schools for the improvement of sanitation and renovation of structures.
The run scheduled to take place on 3rd April 2016, in partnership with Kampala Hash House Harriers, a group of professionals, targets to improve learning conditions of more than 70,000 pupils in schools managed by KCCA.
On average, 57% of the Government Grant Aided Primary Schools don’t meet the required standards, according to records from KCCA.
While addressing journalists today at a press conference held at Workers House, NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba said that as a responsible institution, the Fund has a mandate to contribute to the well-being of the community.
“The NSSF Kampala 7 Hills Run is a vehicle through which we will progressively raise funds to contribute to the improvement of learning conditions in Kampala schools, mainly improving sanitation facilities and renovations,” he said.
The funds will benefit over 40 primary schools over the next 3 years.
KCCA Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Musisi said that the partnership with NSSF and Kampala Hash Harriers will become a beacon of hope for children in KCCA schools.
“I applaud NSSF Uganda for the initiative and call upon organizations and companies to participate in the run as it will go a long way in improving the learning conditions of children under Universal Primary Education (UPE).
KCCA has a supervisory mandate to oversee education service delivery on behalf of government in Kampala.
The obligation covers pre-primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. There are over 2000 education institutions in Kampala City.
Musisi explained that only 43% of KCCA schools meet the recommended pupil – toilet stance ration. “On average, 57% don’t meet the required standards”, Musisi said, adding that 69% of schools don’t have provisions for children with special needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Kampala Hash Harriers, the Hash Master, Miria Rugomwa said that the run is a fun, non-competitive event that covers the historical 7 hills of Kampala, hence the 7 hills run moniker.
“The run has been on the calendar for over 10 years. Participants will run a distance of 21km and will traverse the seven hills of Kampala i.e Nakasero, Kibuli, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri and Nsambya,” she said.
The registration fee for corporate companies is Shs10 million, Shs5 million, Shs2 million. This is a unique run as it target only corporates who will participate in groups.
NSSF has over the past years engaged in a number of social responsible initiatives, such as the annual Torch Awards, Blood Donation drives in partnership with Ministry of Health, the annual dental camp at Mulago hospital among others.