Running to Save Lives in Uganda
The seventh-annual Brain Surgery Run held at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CURE Uganda) on 21 October 2023 was a historical event to improve the lives of children suffering from neurological conditions. This occasion brought together a diverse and dedicated group of individuals and organizations with one common goal: to raise funds for surgeries that transform the futures of vulnerable children.
UMEME and several double platinum and platinum sponsors made substantial contributions. The Office of the First Lady of Uganda, CFAO Motors Uganda, Biyinzika Poultry International Limited, Spear Motors Uganda, Rotary Club of Kampala – Muyenga Breeze, Sanlam Insurance Uganda, the Patrick Bitature Foundation, and others all stood by CURE Uganda, affirming their dedication to making a difference in the lives of these children. Their support highlighted the importance of community involvement and corporate social responsibility in creating lasting change.
In this year’s run, participants engaged in four distinctive categories: the 10km distance, the 5km distance, the walk, and the virtual run. While the first three categories required physical presence at the hospital, the virtual run allowed participants to contribute remotely by recording themselves engaging in physical exercise, sharing these recordings on their social media platforms, and tagging CURE Uganda’s social handles using the #CURErun23 hashtag.
The response this year was exceptional, with an overwhelming number of participants. A staggering 1073 individuals participated, raising an impressive 432,421,230 million shillings ($116,871) in cash pledges and gifts.
The event unfolded at the hospital’s parking lot, where runners gathered, eagerly awaiting the signal from the chief runner, Mr. Don Innocent Wanyama. Each category was flagged off at different intervals, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
Accompanying the participants was a lively brass band parading around Mbale with printed banners showcasing the various conditions treated at CURE Uganda, effectively raising awareness for our cause.
Peter Kauju, the national spokesperson for UMEME Limited, highlighted the corporate commitment to making a difference, saying, “We went back and shared with our board and management, and they were able to say that this year we should come in a bigger way, and we are happy that we came with 120 million shillings.” His statement reflected the willingness of organizations to increase their support, driven by the evident impact of their contributions.
In his closing remarks, Don Innocent Wanyama, CEO of Vision Group, reinforced his organization’s commitment to the cause. “As Vision Group, we are going to continue supporting. And next year, we should perhaps even double our support. We want this to grow. We want this to be bigger . . . Like you heard Tim say, our [run] target was 600+ million shillings. We have fallen short of it, but I want us to commit here that next year, let’s raise 1 billion shillings for this run!”
It’s never too early to start preparations for the 8th-annual CURE Brain Surgery Run, which will happen on 19 October 2024. Save the date and make your New Year plans with us and the children we serve in mind.
