Run for Safe Water launched

Roko Construction Company has launched the Kids of Africa Run for Safe Water with a sh38m kitty.

During Run for Safe Water launch at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, the Roko secretary Dianah Kasabiiti said they have started with sh38m but hope to add more.

Kids of Africa, a Swiss initiative, is a children's home operating in Bwerenga, Kawuku in Wakiso district that takes care of over 100 abandoned children in ten family homes, each headed by a foster mother. 

The run that is slated for October 15 and in its 7th year is aimed at raising funds for the provision of safe drinking water through construction of boreholes to the community, and to celebrate their 11th anniversary.

The growth of the event has been most encouraging since the inaugural run in 2011 that had over 300 runners, in 2012 there were over 500 runners, and by 2016 it attracted 923 participants.

"We have decided to launch with sh38m but I will encourage more Roko employees to support the event. All other corporate companies are also invited to support such an event," said Kasabiiti.

"We needs to what we comitted ourselves to do, I will continue to robe for more to add on what we have started with," she added.

Last year, the run raised sh80m which was used to complete a modern dental clinic at Kids of Africa and constructed 1 borehole.

This year's objective is to raise sh100m which will be used to construct 3 boreholes to cater for the water needs of the local community and tickets go for sh20,000.

There will be 5km, 10km and 21km races, with the following age categories: Under 12 (5km only), 13-17 years, 18-49 years and 50+. 

The first three male and female finishers in each race and age category will receive medals and a cash prize.