On Saturday, October 18, 2025, runners and well-wishers gathered at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda for the 9th Annual CURE Brain Surgery Run—an event that has steadily grown into CURE Uganda’s biggest in-country fundraising avenue.
It brings together people from every background with one shared purpose: helping vulnerable children access life-saving brain surgery and giving them a fair chance at healthy, hopeful futures.
The need driving the run is immense. Uganda continues to face some of the highest numbers of children born with hydrocephalus and other neurosurgical conditions. Many parents come to CURE carrying the weight of fear, confusion, and financial impossibility. The run stands in that gap. It exists to turn the compassion of ordinary people into life-changing surgeries for children who would otherwise go without care.
This year’s goal was set at one billion shillings, with the aim of funding at least 135 surgeries for children who need specialized neurosurgical treatment. As the runners came through the gates of CURE, you could sense a quiet understanding among them: this wasn’t simply a morning run. It was a way of showing up for children whose lives hinge on getting the right care at the right moment.
Speaking to the crowd, Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye, Medical Director of CURE Uganda, captured the heart of the day. “Thank you for standing with the children we treat every day,” he said. “Without your support, these miracles would not be happening.” His gratitude was a recognition that the hospital’s ability to save lives is deeply intertwined with the community that continues to generously rise and run to save a life.
Executive Director Tim Erickson reminded runners how far the event has come and how powerful it has become over the years. “It is such an amazing group of people here,” he said. “The run keeps growing every year, and my encouragement to each one of you is that next time, bring five more friends.” His point was simple: the needs are increasing, and more hands will be required to keep this great work moving.
The Brain Surgery Run speaks directly to that growing need. It also strengthens the people doing the work—through programs like CURE Neuro, where neurosurgeons and pediatric anesthetists from across Africa come to train and sharpen their skills in treating hydrocephalus and other complex neurosurgical conditions. The clinicians who pass through CURE Uganda go back home able to save children for years to come, carrying this impact far beyond our hospital walls.
Support from partners remains central to this work. Once again, Biyinzika Poultry International Limited stepped forward as the Cornerstone Sponsor, contributing 150 Million shillings. Their Chief Executive Officer, Henry Mambwe, spoke with conviction about their continued partnership. “We are honored to stand with you and your team in supporting this extraordinary event and the life-changing work you continue to do,” he said. “You are giving children not just treatment, but hope and a second chance at life.” He also recognized shareholder Patrick Cameron, whose generosity has played a key role in supporting CURE Uganda’s surgical capacity.
The Wapakhabulo family also stood present, continuing a long and treasured history with CURE Uganda. Lumumba Wambogo reflected on the legacy of his late father, who helped secure the land where the hospital sits today. “Supporting this hospital is something we hold close to our hearts,” he said, as he announced their family’s donation. It was a moment that showed just how closely CURE Uganda’s work is tied to the community and how far back that connection goes.
Cultural leadership was also represented. Dr. Paul Mwambu, Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, delivered greetings from His Royal Highness the Umukuka, Sir Jude Michael Mudoma. He spoke with clarity about CURE Uganda’s impact. “CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda is not only a center of medical excellence but a sanctuary where children regain their futures,” he said.
More than 2,300 runners took on the 5K, 10K, and Walking routes, steady and focused. When the counting was done, the figure came in at UGX 657,359,975—a meaningful step toward the one-billion-shilling target that keeps children in surgery and keeps the work moving.
Each year, the Brain Surgery Run shows, in a very practical way, how this community backs its children. As plans for the 10th anniversary run were set for October 17, 2026, the message was plain: the work is growing, the need isn’t slowing down, and the community is still stepping up, which ultimately means every child gets closer to the care they urgently need. That’s why the Run matters, and why it has to keep going.
To learn more or get involved, visit the CURE Uganda website.
About the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda
CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 2001. It is one of Africa’s leading pediatric hospitals for brain surgery and the treatment of neurological conditions. Our teaching hospital has an 18-bed Intensive Care Unit and 59 ward beds, three operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to world-class medical care, our team ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their communities.
