Brian Adams Ategeka triumphs at Absa KH3 Seven Hills Run

Brian Adams Ategeka emerged victorious at the third edition of the Absa Kampala Hash Harrier Seven Hills Run (Absa KH3 – 7 Hills Run) in Kampala on Sunday, clocking an impressive 01:24:32.

Approximately 6,000 runners, including KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki as the chief runner, Deputy Benon Kigenyi, and Absa Acting Executive Director Davids Wandera, braved early morning rain to participate in the event.

The run, which started and finished at the Millennium Grounds in Lugogo, aimed to raise funds to support girls' education in Uganda, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ategeka, a seasoned runner, outpaced Sunday Andima, who finished with a time of 01:38:46, to claim the top prize—a plot of land worth sh13.5 million in Mpigi, courtesy of Bakaima Real Estate Agents.

In the women’s category, Evas Nasasira took first place with a time of 02:06:02, followed by Hilda Atwiine, who posted 03:04:36. The top four elite runners, including Ategeka and Nasasira, will also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to participate in the annual Absa Run Your City Johannesburg 10km run in September.

“I have participated in many races, but the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run is truly special,” said Ategeka. “It is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, especially knowing that we are running for a cause bigger than ourselves—giving young girls access to education.”

Sharifah Buzeki and Davids Wandera expressed their gratitude to the participants for supporting the noble cause of keeping girls in school.

“The benefits of educating the girl child cannot be overstated. It transforms the individual, the family, and the nation. Your efforts here are greatly appreciated,” Buzeki stated. She also urged participants to prioritize their health and contribute to keeping the city clean.

Wandera echoed these sentiments, saying, “Your participation strengthens our ambition to be a force for good wherever we operate, allowing us to reach and uplift even more girls in our communities. Together, we are changing a girl's story, making education more accessible, and that is a legacy we can all be proud of.”

Since its inception in 2023, the Absa KH3 Seven Hills Run has raised over sh1 billion, positively impacting the lives of more than 10,000 girls across Uganda.

The event concluded with a vibrant celebration, featuring electrifying performances by Rema Namakula, Elijah Kitaka, Cindy, DJ Etania, and DJ VX Faisal, ensuring the day ended on a high note.

This year’s edition was made possible through the generous support of several corporate partners, including Mighty Rides, Hariss International, Prudential Uganda, Kakira Sugar, UAP Old Mutual, DHL, Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries, Bakaima Real Estate Agents, Graphic Systems, the Deposit Protection Fund (DPF), and Jubilee Insurance.

In a commitment to environmental sustainability, DHL Uganda partnered with the event to oversee responsible waste management, ensuring the collection and recycling of plastic waste to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.

The Absa KH3 Seven Hills Run continues to be a powerful platform for promoting education, health, and community development, leaving a lasting impact on Uganda’s future generations.