URA, BOU offer sh20m for second edition of NSSF 7 hills run

The second edition of the NSSF Kampala Hash Seven Hills Run is now sh180m short after the Bank of Uganda and Uganda Revenue Authority contributed sh10m each during the launch of the race at Makerere University Primary School on Friday.

URA Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs Vincent Seruma and BOU's director Agnes Kijjambu and her assistant Julie Okiror presented the cheques to NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba alongside KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi at Makerere.

The second edition of the annual run is aiming to raise sh200m to renovate three KCCA public schools that include, Makerere University Primary School, Summit View Army Primary School and completion of works at Nakivubo Settlement Primary School.

Last year's run raised sh65m which was used to construct a sh5m water facility at St. Ponsiano Kyamula Primary School, with the rest used to construct two, sh55m class blocks at Nakivubo Settlement.

This year's run will be held on March 12, starting at the Pearl Africa Primary School in Nsambya before traversing the historical seven hills of Kampala; Kibuli, Nakasero, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Lubaga, Lubiri and back to Nsambya, covering 21kms.

"This is a continuation of our partnership we started with KCCA last year and we have a number of companies who help us in raising this money which we use to improve public schools, because we need children to be safe, health and studying in a conducive environment," NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba, told the press.

"Our CSR is built around three main areas which is to build such partnerships, being good corporate businessmen and it is our role to improve the lives of those in need, and it is also noble to give back to society as we do our business," Byarugaba stated.

He said six other corporate companies had already joined the fundraising drive and called on many more to join.

KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi said the authority found 79 schools in bad shape in terms of infrastructure, healthy, water and sanitation and yet they dont receive adequate funding from government which necessitates such drives to support them.

"We are very passionate about the education sector and we have worked with the private sector, corporate world, religious groups to ensure we improve our schools and I would like to thank all those who have worked with us," Musisi noted.

She thanked NSSF and other corporate companies for the money they raised to improve these schools and for not getting tired of contributing.

She said they have been able to build classrooms, set up computer labs, build toilets in several schools and is looking forward to do more with the projected money.

"We promise to be fully accountable with every shilling and I look forward to the run so that we can improve our schools," Musisi said.