Hundreds of participants were engaged in the Annual Kids of Africa Run at Kids Pioneer Primary School, Kawuku, Bugiri, Bukasa, off Entebbe Road on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
I&M Bank Uganda Limited joined the hundreds, reaffirming its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
The 2026 edition of the run focused on raising awareness about gender-based violence, a challenge that continues to affect individuals, families and communities across Uganda.
For more than two decades, the Kids of Africa Run has brought together Ugandans of different ages and backgrounds to raise awareness and support causes affecting communities across the country, including sanitation and menstrual health.
This year’s event used sport as a platform to inspire dialogue, raise awareness and encourage collective action against gender-based violence.
Participants competed in 21km, 10km and 5km races, demonstrating a shared commitment to creating positive social change.
Speaking at the event, Tage Budolfsen, founder of Kids of Africa Swiss Village, said the focus on gender-based violence was driven by the need to address an issue that continues to impact communities across the country and to encourage greater public awareness and action.
“Gender based violence is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities, because it affects people regardless of age, background or social status. Through the Kids of Africa Run, we want to create a platform that will address this challenge,” Budolfsen said.
In the 21 km race, Mejok Yach Wol Koon emerged as the lead runner in the Male 18+ category, completing the course in 1:33:16.6.
The 10 km races produced strong performances across the different categories.
Felix Ayikko won the Male 18 to 34 category in 31:28.4, while Julius Drake Lung topped the Male 13 to 17 category in 37:16.0.
Joseph Wafula won the Male 35 to 49 category in 44:43.0, with Majid Izale Abdul taking the Male 50+ category in 39:12.0.
Agnes Anero was the leading female runner in the 18 to 34 categories, finishing in 51:01.5.
The age group races also delivered notable performances from younger and older runners.
Henry Mutebi won the Male 35 to 49 category in 17:07.9, while Hakim Ddumba topped the Male 50+ category in 21:44.2.
Among the younger female runners, Joan Jemimah won the Under 12 category in 20:58.7, while Fatuma Akello took the Female 13 to 17 category in 18:12.0.
Joan Akankwatsa emerged as the winner of the Female 18 to 34 category in 18:33.6, while Lilly Grace Acan was the leading runner in the Female 50+ category, completing her race in 27:07.6.
As a long-standing partner of the event, I&M Bank Uganda Limited returned to be a part of the run as a commitment to support initiatives that promote healthier and more resilient communities.
Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda Limited, said the bank’s continued partnership with the run reflects its belief that corporate support should extend beyond business to initiatives that address pressing social challenges.
“I&M Bank Uganda Limited is proud to once again support the Kids of Africa Run. We are especially proud to champion such a crucial cause because gender-based violence is not simply a social issue affecting a few individuals. It is a challenge that touches families, workplaces and communities across Uganda. By supporting platforms such as this, we are helping to create awareness, encourage conversations and inspire collective action towards issues affecting communities, like preventing violence and protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every person,” Nakiyaga said.
I&M Bank Uganda Limited staff joined fellow participants on the course in support of the cause, showing the Bank’s commitment to creating lasting social impact through partnerships that empower communities and contribute to a more inclusive society.
The Kids of Africa Run will return next year with a new theme centred on social good.
