Cardinal Wamala, singer Bobi Wine set for Nkozi Hospital marathon

Emmanuel Cardinal Dr. Wamala will be the chief runner for the Nkozi Marathon, which will take place on Saturday (June 18).  The marathon has been organised to raise funds for the construction of the hospital’s emergency unit/causality ward.

Speaking during a press-conference at his residence in Nsambya on Monday, the Cardinal said:  “I am already upbeat for the marathon. Please come and join me. Nkozi Hospital is the only one in the vicinity of the Kampala-Masaka Highway. Unfortunately, it lacks an accident ward, which leads to many lives being lost. If you are unable to run, at least sponsor a runner.”

Cardinal Wamala, centre,poses for a photo with singer Bobi Wine and his wife-Barbie after the press-conference

Popular local artiste Bobi Wine also confirmed his participation: “I was born at Nkozi Hospital, where my late mother was working. Coincidentally mum also died after a motor accident on the Kampala-Masaka Highway. I call upon my fellow artistes and fans to support this noble cause. As artistes, we have also lost many members of our fraternity in road accidents.”

The marathon (on Saturday, June 18) will be flagged off at the Equator at Kayabwe by the Governor of the Central Bank, Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, at 7:00am. Prince Wasajja Prince David Wasajja has also confirmed his participation.

The Administrator of the Hospital, Sr. Teddy Nakyanzi said that construction of the emergency ward was a dire necessity. She said the hospital received over 15 accident victims a week. She encouraged all Ugandans of good will to buy marathon tickets, which she said are at sh1,000, sh5,000 and sh10,000. Nakyanzi also encouraged people to make mobile money contributions using telephone number: 077 3 358 690.

“We need sh655m for the project. We appeal to corporate organizations and individuals of good will to assist us in this noble cause.”

What people had to say:

Msgr. Charles Kasibante (Vicar General, Kampala Archdiocese)

By constructing hospitals, the Church continues the healing mission of Jesus Christ. So, let us all join his Eminence the Cardinal to fundraise for Nkozi Hospital.

Sr. Teddy Nakyanzi (Hospital Administrator)

This is not a cause for Catholics alone because accidents know no religion. In fact I have received enormous support from people of other religious faiths. So, let us join hands to realise our project of the accident unit.

Prof. John Chrysostom Maviiri (Chairman, Friends of Nkozi Hospital)

The marathon is just one of the ways of generating funds for the hospital. In the future, we shall have many programmes geared towards developing the hospital. I encourage members of the public to become members of the association of the friends of the hospital. Membership fee is just sh20,000.

Dr. Martin Ssendyona (Nkozi Hospital Board Member)

I worked at Nkozi Hospital and I can tell you the number of accident victims referred there can be overwhelming. The only solution is to construct an emergency unit. Otherwise, we shall continue to lose many lives.