Run targets UGX 1.5 billion for renovation of Public Schools

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced a partnership with MTN Uganda, and Housing Finance Bank for the 6th edition of the NSSF Kampala Hills Run.

The charity Run is an initiative aimed at mobilising funds to improve learning conditions in public primary schools through refurbishment, improvement of sanitation, and digital literacy.

It will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds, and will traverse selected hills of Kampala City, covering 21 and 10km.

Addressing the media at Workers House in Kampala today, NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said that the charity run is part of the Fund’s corporate social investment strategy, among which is improving access to quality education.

“Over the years, we have been intentional in transitioning from being just a good corporate citizen to focusing on sustainability as a business while ensuring that social and environmental societal needs are embedded in the Fund’s business strategy. Access to quality education is a key initiative in the delivery of this agenda,” he said.

“Together with our partners and individual participants, we are targeting to raise UGX 1.5 billion this year. Proceeds will go towards supporting 10 public primary schools across the country to undertake renovations, improve sanitation, and enhance digital literacy,” Ayota added.

MTN Uganda, the official partner of the NSSF Kampala Hills Run, contributed UGX 200m towards the organisation of the Run, and Housing Finance Bank contributed UGX 100m. Next Media is the official broadcast partner, through its sports channel NBS Sport. Nation Media Group Uganda and Vision Group are the other media partners.

Uganda Athletics Federation is the technical partner, and the official hydration partner is Crown Beverages Limited through its water brand Aquafina, while the Uganda Red Cross Society is the run’s First Aid partner.

While handing over their contribution to the Fund, Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer said:

“At MTN Uganda, we believe running is more than sports, it’s a catalyst for community transformation and personal growth. Through partnerships like the NSSF Kampala Hills Run, we’re investing in education, uplifting communities, and building the next generation of athletes. Whether it’s a child gaining access to a better classroom or a runner chasing a dream, this is how we turn ambition into impact.”

The Housing Finance Bank Managing Director Michael Mugabi said that for over five decades, the financial institution has been committed to enabling dreams and uplifting communities.

“We understand that actual progress is only possible when the people we serve have the opportunity to live, learn, and thrive. That is why this year’s theme speaks so strongly to us. Our contribution of UGX 100 million is an investment in the potential of over 1,000 young learners. Each shilling we commit is dedicated to creating classrooms that inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and improve learning spaces of over 10,000 children across the country,” he noted.

Commenting on the partnership, Andrew Kabuura, the Head of Sports Broadcast, NBS Sport said that the NSSF Kampala Hills Run is more than an annual event – it’s a movement.

“Year after year, we have witnessed its power to transform not just classrooms, but futures. As storytellers at NBS Sport, we have seen the real impact: children learning in safer, better equipped schools and communities brought together by purpose,” Kabuura said.

Ayota said that over the last 5 years, the benefits of this initiative have extended beyond improving learning conditions to positively impacting enrolment.

Proceeds from past editions of the NSSF Kampala Hills Run have supported the renovations of 25 primary schools across the country, benefiting over 40,000 students every school day. The interventions have led to a 12% increase in student enrolment at the beneficiary schools and a 10% reduction in dropouts.

The Uganda Athletics Federation is the technical partner for the NSSF Kampala Hills Run and will map the route and undertake all necessary verification to ensure that it is safe for our runners.

Other partners for the run include Centenary Bank, Galaxy FM, Capital FM, Clarkson Insurance Brokers Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, SMS Construction Limited, Victoria Hospital, Insurance Regulatory Authority, Uganda Clays Limited, among others.

To register and purchase a kit for the Run, individuals, groups and organizations can register through:
👉 www.nssfug.org/nssfrun
👉 MTN MoMo at www.momoticketing.com/nssfrun