Marathoners contribute sh500m to Kampala schools

Kampala pupils will have an improvement in their hygiene after participants of last year's MTN Marathon contributed sh500m towards construction of more toilet stances for them.

The marathon was held under the theme "Run for Kampala" with participants contributing money to help put up better hygiene facilities in selected schools across the district.

The money was handed over to KCCA executive director Jennifer Musis by MTN chief executive officer Brian Gouldie who hailed the athletes for their spirit towards a "good cause".

"We are happy and excited that the people ran for a good cause and contributed towards it. This is what we have been able to raise from their registration fee and we believe that it will go a long way in providing a healthy environment in the schools," said Gouldie.

KCCA executive director Jennifer Musisi watched delightedly as MTN CEO Brian Gouldie signed the sh500m cheque. (Credit: Norman Katende)

Huawei account director Flyway Ye, UAF president Domenic Otuchet and Stanbic Bank's Edwin Mucai. (Credit: Norman Katende)

All the registration money went into the fund that was donated to KCCA, as MTN catered for other marathon logistics, in order to have a successful race.

The MTN Marathon was co-sponsored by Stanbic Bank, Vision Group, Huawei, Rwenzori Beverages and Speedbag with proceedings going to the increase of toilet stances for five of the 71 Kampala UPE schools.

Gouldie was also happy that the marathon has started yielding fruits, with over seven athletes hitting the Olympic qualifying time.

"It is very fulfilling to hear that more fun runners  are becoming elite runners and we are seeing more  qualifying for the Olympic Games, as assurance that we are serving the purpose of  keeping a healthy nation, running for a good cause and also improving on the talent base we have in the country."

On her part, KCCA's Musisi said that their target is to see that they decrease the number of pupils using one stance (pupil toilet stance ratio) from the current 120 to at least 80. International requirement stand at about 50.

"We are excited and happy to see to it that runners have made a choice to ensure that our children have better sanitation. By constructing these toilets and also getting them water shelters, we are giving them a sense to live," she said after receiving the cheque.

The five schools that are set to benefit from the project include Nsambya Police, Kasubi Church of Uganda, Kitebi Primary School, Kisasi Primary and Naguru Katale - from the five KCCA divisions.

"We shall also help them to build water-harvesting places. These toilets are bio-toilets and they are going to also produce gas, which will be used for cooking.

"This will save them from the smoke from the firewood and at the same time help save the environment," said Musisi.