Thousands of students, alumni, staff and other well-wishers turned up Sunday morning clad in red t-shirts and sports attires to participate in the Makerere University Run.
This idea was born from the Makerere Endowment Fund led by Dr Alike Martin aimed at harnessing the fund to create awareness and lay the foundation for resource gathering to support the university treasury. The Rt.Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga the speaker of Parliament was the chief runner alongside famous Makerere alumni like Adeke Anna Ebaju (former guild president).
“Since it’s going to be an annual event, the organizers should always invite all Makerere alumni like Benjamin Mkapa former president of Tanzania and other big personalities who’ve passed through the gates of Makerere,” said Speaker Kadaga who also pledged a commitment of Shs40million from the members of parliament.
In the 5km run, Amanya Gilbert from Nkrumah hall emerged 2nd runners up, John Ndibanoha as 1st runners up and Oscar Muhanguzi from the staff quarters was the Overall winner.
For the 10km run, Lazarius Okeck from Lumumba hall was 2nd runners up, David- 1st runners up, Dick Muhairwe from Mitchel hall overall winner. The winners were awarded certificates accompanied by an honorary handshake from the Speaker if parliament, Chancellor Ezra Suruma, Vice Chancellor Ddumba Sentamu, Council chairman Eng. Dr Charles Wanna Etyem and representatives from several sponsors.
A few of the generous contributions announced included
Centenary Bank- shs20 million
DFCU Bank -shs100m
Parliament -shs40m (20participants)
Deputy Speaker Parliament -1m
BBS TV -Publicity
NBS TV -Partnership and publicity
NSSF – shs5m and 20 participants
Coca-Cola – Water
Photogenix Events- tents and dressing freedom square
Arch Design Ltd – 20 participants
Lule and Company advocates -shs1m
Makerere Endowment Fund Board of Trustees-2m and Asiatic sports – subsidization on Tshirts
All the proceedings from the Run go towards the construction of a One stop Multipurpose students Centre between Senate building and Lincoln flats.
“No contribution is too small just like no wall is made of 1 giant brick but several small bricks,” encouraged Vice Chancellor Prof Ddumba Ssentamu as students enjoyed the post run Red Cross Services lying flat on the bellies to have their legs massaged.
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