WAKISO: The vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo in company of Buganda’s Nnabagereka Slyvia Nnaginda has this morning flagged off a 10-kilometre Run aimed at raising funds to facilitate the construction of an Sh8b multipurpose commercial building, a project of St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kireka
The chilly weather on the day did enough justice to the runners from Kireka and neighbouring suburbs engaged in this run which drew personalities; young and old, big or small, rich and marginalized.
The limbering session for the runners to condition and arm up their bodies commenced by 6-AM.
The warm up progressed until 7-AM when the first group of runners of the 10km category were flagged off shortly after address.
The vice President Alupo commended the Church for this visionally and timely commercial project aimed at strengthening the Church’s mission and outreach.
“I am glad to be informed that this marathon and a health camp are aimed at not only promoting health awareness but also fundraise to commence the Church’s income generating projects,” she said.
Alupo stressed how important and critical it is, to empower the Church to become more self-reliant, impactful in its outreach, and transformative in the spiritual, social, and economic lives of its members.
She told all the runners, that their participation today goes beyond personal fitness.
“You are running for your Church, your children, the progress of your community; and the future of your country. You are part of something much bigger than yourselves,” the vice President said.
She thanked them for showing up and standing together in unity.
Alupo, also the woman MP for Katakwi district thanked the Church leadership, the Council, and the Organizing Committee for their dedication to the growth of the church.
She also extended her appreciation to the sponsors, medical teams, and volunteers arguing that their support reflects the spirit of community, service, and development that we so deeply value.
Alupo extended special thanks to His Royal Highness the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for his tireless efforts not only in promoting income generating programs in Buganda, especially coffee farming, but also matters of good health.
In the same spirit, the vice President thanked the Nnabagereka Nagginda for her special interventions towards young people particularly, the girl-child and also programs like this one.
She used the opportunity to announce the President’s contributed Shs.100,000,000/= towards the Church’s income generating project.
Alupo left the runners with the following words of encouragement from Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Run with hope, faith and for a future built upon the solid rock that is Christ.
