Over sh500m raised for the girl child from the Absa KH3 Run

Enthusiastic recreational runners, elite runners, children, fitness freaks, and many from the corporate world forewent their Sunday morning activities to participate in the fourth Absa Kampala Hash Harriers 7 Hills Run.

Over sh500m was raised from this year’s ‘Run for Her' race, which involved 5km, 10km, and 25km, all starting at Millennium Grounds, Lugogo.

Lugogo and parts of Kampala turned into a celebration of endurance, community, and purpose in what became the largest edition of the run yet, attracting close to 8,000 runners. The run attracted a number of corporate entities, including the co-sponsors MTN, led by CEO Sylivia Mulinge; Jubilee Insurance (Eugene Mutekhele); Bakaima Real Estate (Karim Kawesa); Kenya Airways; Absa CEO David Wandera; and the Hash Master Alice Gita Okecho, among others. 

Mulinge and Absa CEO David Wandera flagged off the run that continues to cement its place as a leading fitness and purpose-driven sporting event.

Peter Akwech crossed the finish line in 1:21:40 to emerge as the top male finisher, while Sylvia Chelangat clocked in at 1:46:55 to secure victory in the women’s category. These, along with Joseph Kinyeni, who came second in 1:22:09, and Hajara Lubega (1:52:33), will be rewarded with a trip to Ghana to compete in the Absa Black Stars Marathon in Accra, Ghana.

In addition, Kinyeni and Chelangat won a plot of land each, valued at sh15m, at the Bakaima Real Estate Mpigi Hill View Estate, on top of sh10m for Kinyeni. 

“What we witnessed today goes beyond a run. It is a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when communities, corporations, families, and sports enthusiasts come together behind a shared cause. We are deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, and especially to the running clubs and individuals who intentionally trained and prepared for this challenge. The enthusiasm around this year’s Run reflects a growing culture of wellness in Uganda but, more importantly, a shared commitment to helping more girls stay in school and pursue their dreams,” said David Wandera, managing director of Absa Bank Uganda. 

Among the interventions the proceeds support is access to clean water, provision of sanitary pads, and transport interventions for long-distance school trips, such as bicycles. Kawesa said their contribution, in the form of land titles, is aimed at making the run more colourful, boosting the number of participants, and ensuring more money is collected to help the girl child. 

“We are also happy that we are contributing to society and giving back to the community. We are here to support the underprivileged girl child in attaining education. The girl child faces many struggles as she grows up. Some of them lack sanitary pads, and some of them do not have school fees. So, we are here to support this and boost the event so that people can come and contribute to the cause,” Kawesa stated. Mulinge said they are part of the run to celebrate fitness and wellness. 

“It is important we take care of our fitness. But even more importantly, today is not just about clocking in, putting in the time, and finishing the distance; it's also about running with a purpose. And the purpose today is for the girl child,” Mulinge said. 

“We are running so that she can. And I'm really passionate as a mother of a teenager about what we are running for today. Because it's purposeful and it's meaningful. And this means there's much greater awareness and consciousness of what needs to be done for the girl child.  The proceeds will fund the education of young girls across Uganda, ensuring their health so they can fulfil their potential. So, to everyone who came out today, well, well done.”

Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, marketing director at Absa Bank Uganda, said the Accra marathon opportunity reflects the bank’s ambition to make the Run more meaningful and aspirational for participants. “One of the things that makes the Absa KH3–7 Hills Run unique is that we are not only rewarding performance with prizes but also with experiences. Running today has evolved into a way to experience new places, cultures, and communities. Through the opportunity to participate in the Absa Black Star Marathon in Ghana, we are giving Ugandan runners a chance to represent Uganda and experience another part of Africa thanks to their passion for running.” 

For many participants, Sunday’s race meant more than crossing the finish line. Every kilometer represented a contribution towards helping more girls stay in school and pursue brighter futures. The day culminated in a vibrant celebration featuring performances from Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, King Saha, and Dax Vibez, bringing together sport, entertainment, and philanthropy in a uniquely Ugandan celebration of community impact. 

This year’s edition was made possible through support from a growing ecosystem of over 22 sponsors and partners, making the 2026 edition the biggest and most rewarding yet. Absa works with partner organisations that help keep girls in school and remove barriers to their education. 

Beneficiaries include Baylor College of Medicine's Dreams Programme, Amref Health Africa, Windle International Uganda, World Vision Uganda, Nyaka AIDS Orphan Project, Katalemwa Cheshire Home, and Smart Girls Uganda. These partnerships ensure every shilling raised has a real impact on girls across Uganda. The runners parted with Sh35,000 (ordinary), Sh45,000 for a timed race, and a VIP Kit at Sh150,000 for corporate teams.