On most Sunday mornings, Millennium Grounds slowly eases into the day. But on May 17, the space is expected to pulse with a different kind of energy, one driven by running shoes, music, and a shared mission to change the lives of young girls across Uganda.
The fourth edition of the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run is returning with a mix of fitness, entertainment, and purpose, bringing together runners, families, lifestyle enthusiasts, and some of Uganda’s biggest music stars for an experience that stretches beyond the finish line.
Organised by Absa Bank Uganda in partnership with the Kampala Hash House Harriers, the annual run has steadily evolved into more than a sporting event. It has become a social movement rooted in community impact, particularly around keeping the girl child in school.
This year’s edition promises its most vibrant atmosphere yet.
As runners complete the challenge across Kampala’s iconic seven hills, the celebrations will continue at Lugogo with a star-studded entertainment lineup headlined by Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, Dax Vibes, and King Saha.
The performances are expected to transform the post-race cool down into a lively celebration, blending the adrenaline of competition with the emotional reward of contributing to a meaningful cause.
At the heart of the run is a growing concern around school dropout rates among girls, often linked to financial hardship, lack of menstrual hygiene support, and poor school facilities. Funds raised through the 2026 edition will go toward bursaries, improved menstrual hygiene management, and the renovation of learning spaces across the country.
For Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at Absa Bank Uganda, the event reflects the power of collective action. She describes the run as a blend of resilience, purpose, and community spirit, where every step taken contributes toward creating opportunities for young girls to stay in school and dream bigger.
But while the cause remains central, the competition itself is also intensifying.
This year, the stakes have been raised with major rewards for top performers. The fastest male and female runners in the 21 kilometre race will each walk away with land titles courtesy of Bakaima Real Estate Agents, while the overall top runner will receive an additional cash prize of UGX 10 million.
The rewards do not stop there. The top two male and female athletes will also earn an all-expenses paid trip to represent Uganda at the Absa Black Stars Marathon in Accra, adding an international dimension to the competition.
Still, the event remains open to everyone, not just elite runners. Whether walking, jogging, or racing competitively, participants of all fitness levels are being encouraged to join the experience and contribute to the cause.
With kits already on sale and anticipation steadily building, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be more than a run.
It is a reminder that fitness, music, and social impact can exist in the same space, and that sometimes, changing a girl’s story begins with something as simple as showing up and taking the first step.
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