Rotary Jinja unveils 4th edition of Run for the Nile
Tomson Ofwono, the president of the Rotary Club of Jinja, disclosed this at the launch of the 4th edition of the Run for the Nile, scheduled for March 28 in Jinja. The launch took place at Platinum Credit Offices in Kampala on Tuesday.
Rotarian David Serwawudde (R), Rotarian Geofrey Kitakule (2nd right), Nile Breweries Corporate Affairs Manager Clare Asiimwe (C) are joined by other officials launch the Run for the Nile at the Platinum Credit offices in Kampala on Tuesday. PHOTO: Johnson Were
As environmental degradation continues to mount pressure on the Nile Basin, the Rotary Club of Jinja, together with its partners, has vowed to use sports as a mobilisation tool to address the crisis.
Tomson Ofwono, the president of the Rotary Club of Jinja, disclosed this at the launch of the 4th edition of the Run for the Nile, scheduled for March 28 in Jinja. The launch took place at Platinum Credit Offices in Kampala on Tuesday.
"The environmental degradation in and around the Nile Basin is increasingly threatening livelihoods. Urban growth and industrial expansion continue to introduce pollutants into water systems. So, we shall use the proceeds of this run to protect the environment," Ofwono said.
The president of Rotary Club of Jinja Tomson Ofwono (C), Rotarian Geoffrey Kitakule (2nd right), Rotarian David Serwawudde (R) receive a sh50m dummy cheque from Maad Mc Cann officials at the launch of the Run for the Nile at Platinum Credit offices in Kampala. PHOTO: Johnson Were
"This is not just a run, but a fundraiser and awareness platform to support grassroots environmental efforts. The run will also see its proceeds fund tree planting drives, community clean-ups, and conservation education programs designed to promote responsible stewardship of vital water ecosystems," he added.
Rotarian Geofrey Kitakule urged corporate brands and Ugandans to join this noble cause to save not only Lake Victoria and the Nile Basin but also the lives of many Ugandans.
"Many people living around Lake Victoria and the Nile do not access purified water like we get from National Water. So, protecting these water bodies will save them from diseases including cancer and liver problems," Kitakule said.
He added that this year's target is to raise sh550 million to plant trees and maintain the forest planted for three years on the 250 acres of land provided by the National Forest Authority.
Participants will run in the 21km, 10km, and 5km categories. Running kits will be available for sh30,000 at Platinum Credit branches and Rotary Clubs.
The event is sponsored by Nile Breweries (sh20 million), Platinum Credit (sh10 million), Maad McCann (sh50 million), Buganda Kingdom, Ministry of Water, AAR Insurance, and the Auditor General's office.
Isaac Mugote, a Platinum Credit official, and Clare Asiimwe, the corporate affairs manager of Nile Breweries, urged other corporate brands to join the cause.
David Sserwawudde, the director of Promote Uganda, explained that participants can also contribute to maintain an acre or more of the forest. He added that the proceeds will also be used to build gates that will stop plastics from entering the Nile.