The Presidential CEO 5km Run could soon become an annual event, with the Ministry of Education and Sports planning to partner with the Presidential CEO Forum to expand the initiative and support more charitable causes.
Minister of State for Education and Sports Peter Ogwang said the ministry is ready to work with the forum and the National Council of Sports to ensure the run grows into a sustainable annual programme.
Ogwang made the remarks on Sunday during the second edition of the Presidential CEO 5km Run at Coco Beach Club in Entebbe, held under the theme “Saving a Life, Changing a Future.”
The run brought together business leaders, government officials and members of the public, with proceeds going towards improving the welfare of learners with special needs at Entebbe Children’s Welfare Primary School.
“As government and Ministry of Education and Sports, we are fully committed to our education programme, but we also thank the corporate social responsibility from most of the CEOs who come to supplement what government is doing,” Ogwang said.
He said he would help bring together the National Council of Sports and the ministry’s Physical Education and Sports Department to develop the initiative further from next year.
Ogwang also encouraged Ugandans to embrace regular exercise, noting that activities such as the CEO Run can help promote healthy lifestyles and fight non-communicable diseases.
He contributed Shs10 million towards the charity run on behalf of the ministry.
Presidential CEO Forum Chief Executive Officer Irene Birungi Mugisha said the initiative is intended to use sport to create opportunities for children with special needs.
“For us, it’s a noble cause. Education is an opportunity for all. We all need to learn, we all need to grow, but we also need to reach our potential. That’s what we want for these kids,” she said.
Birungi said future editions would be organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports to reach more beneficiaries.
Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda also pledged continued support for the initiative, saying the municipality would introduce weekly exercise sessions every Thursday evening.
The head teacher of Entebbe Children’s Welfare Primary School, Alice Basaaza, said the school currently supports more than 200 children with different special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, deafness and spina bifida.
The race also recognised top performers, with Felix Ayiko winning the men’s category, followed by Fadil, while Kivumbi Emmanuel finished third.
In the women’s category, Scovia Asimba emerged winner, followed by Chloe Merridate.
With government now backing the expansion of the initiative, organisers hope the Presidential CEO Run can grow beyond a single annual race into a sustained platform for supporting children and other charitable causes.
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