NSSF boss to be chief runner of Nkozi Marathon
May 17, 2018
Nkozi hospital receives an average of 20 accident victims every week and hence the urgent need for an emergency ward.
PIC: Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, Charles Kasibante together with Prince David Wasajja,MP Kyadondo East, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu launch the third marathon drive of Nkozi hospital.(Credit: Juliet Lukwago)
MARATHON
KAMAPALA - The Managing director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Richard Byaruhanga will be the chief runner during the Nkozi Hospital third marathon.
The marathon is intended to continue raising funds for the building of an Accident and Emergency Unit ward.
This was revealed by boardchairman, Vicar General, Kampala Archdiocese, Charles Kasibante during the launch of third marathon drive at Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala's residence in Nsambya.
The launch was attended by Prince David Wasajja who confirmed his participation, MP Kyadondo East, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu a.ka Bobi Wine among others.
Construction of the emergency and accident unit is estimated to cost sh2.8b with equipment worth sh1.6b.
The marathon is set for Saturday, June 16.
It will be flagged off by managing director, The National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Byaruhanga at 7:00am at Equator Kayabwe with two sections of 10 and 5km.
All routes will lead to Uganda Martyrs University sports complex.
Kasibante, speaking during a press-conference urged Ugandans to join the cause.
"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."
Nkozi Hospital a private community hospital, serving the town of Nkozi and surrounding areas of southern Mawokota County in Mpigi District, approximately 85 kilometres (53 miles) on the Kampala-Masaka Highway.
The 76-year-old Catholic mission health facility is the only major hospital between Masaka and Kampala.
It receives an average of 20 accident victims every week and hence the urgent need for an emergency ward.
Kasibante added that Nkozi Hospital a Private Not for Profit (PNFP) Hospital owned by Kampala Archdiocese.
It was founded by the White Sisters of Our Lady of Africa from the Netherlands in 1942.
The management was transferredin 1994 to the local congregation of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix- Ggogonya, Kisubi.
It is the referral health facility for Mawokota South Health Sub-District (HSD), in Mpigi district."
However, Sister Teddy Nakyanzi, the hospital administrator, said they hoped to raise money to continue constructing the accident ward.
"More lives of accident victims along the treacherous Kampala Masaka high way will be saved if Nkozi Hospital gets an emergency ward." alleged.
She exposed that "the construction already started in phases, and the first phase we require over sh1b, more than half of the projected total expenditure."
Nakyanzi noted that managed to move around different places and managed to raise sh350m which still very low to target of sh2.8b.
She encouraged all Ugandans of good will to buy marathon tickets, which she said are at sh10, 000. Nakyanzi also encouraged people to make mobile money contributions using telephone number: 077 3 358 690.
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," he said.
Michael Nswa-emu Kaggwa who represented his boss of Uganda Prisons Commissioner, Dr Johnson Christopher Byabasaija on behalf prisons promised sh5m on noble cause.