Jinja locals and Corporates from various Rotary Clubs in Uganda, plus various companies participated in the second edition of the Nile Run in Jinja City to raise awareness to the community about the need for them not to pollute Lake Victoria and River Nile with plastics. 

Men, Women, and children participated in the run which included the 5km, 10km, and 21km categories and was flagged off as early as 7:00 am at Dam Waters by the Executive Director of Nile Basin Initiatives Florence Grace Adongo who was accompanied by Edward Kakembo Nsubuga the District Governor of District 9213, Leonard Ithau the District Governor of District 9212 and Lieutenant Governor David Nsubuga Sserwawudde who is also a Director of Promote Uganda, Platinum Credit, and Premier Credit.

The run which was organised in Jinja City saw runners of all categories starting from Dam Waters off to Nile Crescent, Mainstreet, Obote Way, Narambhai Road, Bax Road, and Nalufenya Road among others.

In the 21km run, Charles Lokujo won in the men’s category and Lillian Adhiambo in the women, 

In the 10km run, Joshua Chepkwurui won in the men’s category and Rose Namudope won in the women’s category as Patrick Mukose emerged winner in the 5km run. 

Dr. Callist Tindimugaya the Director for Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Water and Environment, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Alfred Okot, handed over the prizes and certificates to the 21km winners in the both Men and Women categories. 

Leonard Ithau the District Governor of Rotary District 9212 handed over prizes and certificates to winners of the 10km run and the Executive Director of Nile Basin Initiative Florence Grace Adongo handed over to winners of the 5km.

Lieutenant Governor Nsubuga said that they were able to raise over sh20m and the funds were devoted to doing a study to identify areas where there is a lot of tree cutting and to do a scoping study to establish where the pollution areas in terms of plastics enter the lake. 

Nsubuga added that proceeds from this year’s Nile Run 2024 are going to be used in establishing plastic trap gates at all channels leading to Lake Victoria and River Nile adding that this will be done in partnership with Nature in Mind Organisation.

The Hope Creator President of the Rotary Club of Kampala Central, Francis Wanji, appreciated all Rotary Clubs that participated in funding for the Nile Run, not forgetting students from various schools in Jinja who competed in the Run.

Wanji observed that the Rotary Club of Kampala Central with financial support from Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, planted a woodlot at Nyenga Seminary.

Dr. Tindimugaya urged Jinja residents to plant trees to address the phenomena of climate change; improve sanitation and protect the environment.

Winners

21km

Charles Lokujo (Men)

Lillian Adhiambo (Women)

10km

Joshua Chepkwurui (Men)

Rose Namudope (Women)

5km

Patrick Mukose