2024 Makerere University Run gains momentum

The 2024 Makerere University Run has gained momentum after the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development joined other partners in supporting the event.

This year’s event due on August 18 will be held under the theme “Run for Students with Disabilities”. Runners have four categories; the 21, 10, 5, and Wheel Chair races to choose from to participate upon payment of sh20,000/- for the running kit.

Speaking during a media breakfast at the university, the Commissioner for Youth and Children affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Mondo Kyateka who was the chief guest pledged that the ministry would do everything possible to be part of the run and be part of the mission and to ensure that they move with the university to make things better for the students with disabilities.

He congratulated the university for initiating the run which will facilitate the students’ movement and ensure they have equal access to education facilities just like the others.

The Commissioner for Youth and Children affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Mondo Kyateka addresses a meeting at Makerere University. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Contributing towards inclusion for students with disabilities is central to us at the ministry. Kyateka said.

“Inclusion is not simply something that you want to do but something that you must do. The Sustainable Development Goals are very categorical on the issue of inclusion. And everybody has to be included including our families ensure children with disabilities are supported right from home,” he noted.

He said such children require unconditional love and protection more than able children and that it becomes easy to integrate into the institutions if it starts at home.

He urged everybody to join the campaign through the run and contribute towards the construction of a Students’ Centre and Disability Support Unit at Makerere University.

“Ours as the ministry is total commitment, we shall continue to do everything possible through policy and through the law to ensure that there is an inclusive society that can make life comfortable for our young people,”

The Makerere University Endowment Fund chairperson Maggie Kigozi whose entity is spearheading the run and fundraising, said there is so much diversity within this community and that their needs are so varied which makes handling their needs expensive.

She thanked all the partners who have supported the run arguing that the center upon completion is intended to solve all the problems of the students with disabilities. He called upon the alumni and the general public to contribute because all the money collected is channelled to the bank and to activities that are beneficial to the university.

“In this evolving world it is important to organise and appreciate the importance of an inclusive and accessible education environment,” she stated.

The Makerere University Endowment Fund chairperson Maggie Kigozi addresses a meeting at Makerere University. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

She said this would be a dedicated disability support unit that will provide students with the necessary support and accommodation to help them thrive. “This unit represents our aspirations of inclusivity, a place where all students can be valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential,” Kigozi stated.

As a bank, we are committed to making a positive difference in the community we serve and improving the lives of others.

“The partnership with the Makerere Endowment Fund (MEF) and particularly the sponsorship of this run is in line with our commitment to enhancing the communities in which we serve as well as mentoring and providing skills for women and the youth, that is why we are partnering with the university,” Tusiime stated.

Professor Justine Namalwa the Head of the Department of Environmental Management said the university was intentional on inclusion and a supportive learning environment.

She said currently, the university has a disability support unit which is temporary but that they were on a journey to get a disability support center.

“Creating a center requires facilities, space, and equipment so the run was on its journey to realise this center,” Namalwa stated.

She said the university was committed to the journey of progressively improving the learning environment with an inclusive mind. We are committed to awareness sessions for both students and staff and other partners to ensure that inclusion is a norm for all of us,”

Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba said the university has always been a shining example of excellence in educating and shaping the minds of countless individuals.

“As we strive to build a brighter future, we must ensure that every student regardless of any special needs can thrive and contribute to our community,” he said.