Mak Run 4th edition to raise funds for students with disabilities

The 21km marathon is slated for August 18th, 2024 at the premier university campus.

The run was officially launched by Hon Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youths and Children Affairs.

In his remarks, the Minister, a former Makerere student and employee pledged his full support to the marathon. He also promised to engage other government officials including fellow cabinet ministers to be part of the initiative.

“I am going to work closely with my boss the Prime Minister to whip all government officials, those who went through Makerere and those who didn't, to take part in this exercise,” he said.

“I pledge support to this noble cause and I will personally take part,” he added.

The 4th Mak Run will take place on August 18 pulse uganda

The newly appointed minister also promised to reach out to President Yoweri Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to be part of the run.

The 4th Mak Run is organized by the Makerere Endowment Fund and is hoped to raise enough money to set up a student centre for learners with disabilities.

According to John Ninsiima, the chairman organizing committee of the run, the university has already allocated land at the heart of the campus, for the construction of the state-of-the-art facility.

Construction is hoped to commence in the next two years.

“With this infrastructure, our PWD students can pursue their dreams and aspirations on an equal basis with others with confidence, knowing that they have the necessary support and resources at their disposal,” he said.

Martin Owiny, who represented Dr Margie Kogozi, the Endowment Fund chairperson, said the fund has since grown over the past three years from Shs 8 billion to 11 billion.

The fund, he said, hopes to have pooled at least Shs 20 billion by 2026, to enable them to begin construction of the facility.

On his part, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe said the student centre will likely cost Shs 40 billion although 20billion billion would be enough to start.

Nawangwe said Makerere University has at least 300 disabled students.

Kits for the marathon can be purchased at https://endowment.mak.ac.ug/.

The 4th Mak Run is themed, “Run for the students living with disabilities.”