Ageless energy: Kampala’s seniors lace up for fitness and community

In a quest to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical activity among older adults, particularly women, the Kampala Hash Harriers and Safi Cleaning Services Limited held a successful baby boomers evening run and blood donation drive in Kampala on Sunday.

The run, held under breezy conditions following Sunday’s mid-afternoon shower, brought together over 150 baby boomers, health enthusiasts, and members of the general public drawn from the corporate world.

The excitement at the Naguru Gardens was palpable as the baby boomers – men and women in their 50s and 60s – gathered at the starting line, proudly wearing branded T-shirts.  Some stretched with surprising agility, while others chatted animatedly about old running days. 

At the takeoff, you easily told it was not about speed.  It was about the spirit. Laughter echoed as the runners paced themselves, some jogging steadily, while others briskly walked with friends, ironically discussing Ugandan marathoner Jacob Kiplimo, who clinched the Chicago marathon in a near world record time.

Sapphira Nyabunwa, the MD of Safi Cleaning Services and Vice President of Kampala Hash Harriers, said, “We understand that true cleanliness goes beyond the surface; it’s about living well. This run was for our baby boomers – our mothers and our elders – because they deserve strong, active, and fulfilling lives. Age is not a reason to slow down; it’s a reason to move smarter, breathe deeper, and live healthier.”

She continued, “Through these activities, we want to inspire people, especially our seniors, to embrace a healthy lifestyle, stay active, and age with strength and dignity. It’s not just about ageing well; it’s about living fully at every stage.”

Gerald Okware, the  religious advisor to the Kampala Hash Harriers, echoed these sentiments and commended the initiative:

“Loneliness is a killer, and what our sponsors have  done here is fight that with community and compassion,” he said. “These events create awareness that exercise is essential, not optional. And the bonus? You sleep better after a good walk.”

Speaking on behalf of SAFI’s leadership team, Gloria Aber Otim, Head of Finance and Administration, emphasised the company’s broader vision:

“As a cleaning company, we recognise our role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment,” said Aber Otim. “By organising and participating in events like this, we are demonstrating our commitment to community well-being beyond our business operations.”

The run was crowned with a life-saving blood donation session, organised in collaboration with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services.