Nkozi University Marathon to raise 50 million for sanitary towels.

Uganda Martyrs University has apealed to the public to join the initiative of raising over 50 million shillings to support the need for essential scholastic materials and sanitary towels for less previlledged schools .

The initiative aimes to  to support girls’ education, ensuring they can study comfortably. The funds will provide essential scholastic materials and sanitary towels, empowering young women to remain in school and pursue their dreams.

The initiative aims to support five girls’ schools with at least UGX 10 million each through the community initiative held through a marathon over the weekend under the theme , “Run to Keep Her in School,” which attracted hundreds of participants, including students, faculty, alumni, community members, and well-wishers.This effort coincides with the university’s 30th graduation ceremony and the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.

”Kyamanywa stressed that supporting the girl child is akin to supporting the nation, as they are future women who will carry the responsibilities of family and community.

“The girl child is the future woman, the buttress that keeps the family and community together,” he remarked.He adds that a community without empowered women is a miserable one.

He further explained that UMU chose to join forces with others striving to create a better learning environment for girls through the university’s third pillar of promoting community engagement.The benefiting schools will be selected based on need, in consultation with community leaders.

Evans Nakhokho, Head of Business Development at Centenary Bank, spoke on behalf of the sponsors. He stated that organizations and companies are integral to the communities they operate in and must contribute to the well-being of those communities. “Companies and organizations don’t exist in isolation; we are expected to serve and participate in initiatives that support our communities,” he said.

This initiative comes shortly after the world marked International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” The day highlighted the extraordinary challenges girls face globally in accessing education, maintaining their physical and mental well-being, and living free from violence.

Recent data shows that in Uganda, 40% of girls marry before the age of 18, and only 53% of girls aged 6-12 complete primary education. Despite numerous interventions, including the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, this means more must be done to close the gap and safeguard the future of the nation.

This follows the Saturday that ran under the theme : "Run to Keep Her in School" held  at the Nkozi Community Grounds.'The theme dubbed  "Run to Keep Her in School' and aimed at ensuring that every girl has access to essential scholastic materials and sanitary towels, empowering young women to stay in school and achieve their dreams.