Record turnout as NSSF Kampala Hills Run raises sh1.5b for public schools

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Hundreds of runners turned out on a chilly Sunday morning for this year’s NSSF Kampala Hills Run.

The charity event raises money to improve learning conditions in public schools, with a special focus on rural areas that need the most help.

Sunday Andima from Zest Sports won the men’s 21km race with a time of 1:14:27, and Raymond Omara from Air Force SSS led the men’s 10km race in 33:40. Maurine Koech of Gutsy Running Club finished first in the women’s 10km race.

Runners warn up before the start of the 2025 NSSF Kampala 7 Hills Run at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, November 2, 2025.

 

According to the NSSF managing director, Patrick Ayota, this year’s run attracted 10,000 people, and several corporate companies contributed to the cause, raising sh1.5 billion in cash and kind.

He urged the runners to continue running for the cause of improving public schools.

“This year’s run exceeded our expectations. We had anticipated about 7000 runners, but we have ended up with about 10000 runners, and that says a lot,” Ayota said.

“When we started, our target was to raise about sh1b, but we have raised over sh1.5b in cash and kind, so it has exceeded our expectations; but it also tells you that Ugandans will continue supporting good causes.

“Proceeds will go to about ten government-aided primary schools upcountry. We renovate blocks and classrooms, and the difference is incredible. The last one we built in Arua, pupils were studying under a tree,” Ayota noted.

Michael Mugabi, the managing director of Housing Finance Bank, expressed his gratitude to all partners who joined forces for this worthy cause, emphasising that such strategic partnerships embody the collaborative spirit needed to create meaningful change and impact.

He encouraged participants to keep running beyond just Kampala's seven hills, extending their efforts to the broader journey of transforming the nation.

Early this year, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) officially commissioned a fully renovated classroom block at Oreku Primary School in Arua city, restoring hope to learners and teachers who had endured years of hardship due to a dilapidated structure. 

The renovation, which cost over sh100m, was a huge relief for the school. Some classrooms had been in very poor condition, and one block could not be used after strong winds blew off its roof. Thanks to NSSF, the school received full structural repairs, and electricity was installed. It was the first time in years that the school had had power.

Runners take off for the 10km run during the start of the 2025 NSSF Kampala 7 Hills Run at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, November 2, 2025.

 

NSSF staff pose with NSSF MD Patrick Ayota (center) after the run.

 

Twenty-five public schools have benefited from proceeds raised from the run over the past five years.

Additionally, sixty classroom blocks have been constructed in Hoima, Jinja, Arua, and Butaleja, 40,000 learners impacted, a 12% increase in student enrolment realised through the over sh18b raised from previous runs.

After Sunday’s ‘Run for Ondia’ races, musician Elijah Kitaka crowned the day with a music performance that wowed the crowd, especially women who sang along every lyric in his captivating hits. The Fimbo Vibes fitness crew were also on hand to aid in the warm-ups and cool downs. 

The run is organised by NSSF in partnership with MTN Uganda, Housing Finance Bank, New Vision, Equity Bank, Next Media, Aquafina and a number of other corporate entities.