Kids of Africa Run Against Gender-Based Violence 2026 Set for Sunday

Kids of Africa Swiss African Children’s Village, located on Plot No. 57, Bwerenga, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, approximately 4km off Kawuku on Entebbe Road, will host the 14th edition of the Kids of Africa Run Against Gender-Based Violence on Sunday.

Kids of Africa is dedicated to caring for orphaned and vulnerable children by providing them with a home, education and protection.

The annual run raises funds to support community initiatives in areas such as health and education. This year’s event will feature a Half Marathon (21km), 10km and 5km races, with approximately 1,000 participants expected to take part.

Last year, the event attracted 832 participants, continuing a steady growth in participation since its inception.

Proceeds from previous editions have supported initiatives including menstrual health awareness and the production of reusable menstrual pads for girls in community schools. The organisation has also supported schools in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, through the construction of modern toilets.

This year, the organisers are taking on an even bigger challenge: Gender-Based Violence.

An estimated 95% of women in Uganda have experienced some form of gender-based violence.

It is not a distant statistic. It is your neighbour. Your colleague. Your family.

It is happening in homes across Uganda, while shelters that protect survivors are increasingly under threat of closure.

As international funding dries up, one by one, Uganda’s GBV shelters are shutting their doors, leaving women and children with fewer safe places to turn.

“We run because they need us too,” the organisers said in partnership with Umoja Women’s Group.

Growing Event

The Kids of Africa Run has grown steadily since its inaugural edition in 2011, which attracted more than 300 runners of all ages.

In 2012, participation increased to more than 500 runners. By 2017, the event had attracted 780 participants, while 2018 saw 900 participants.

Participation dropped to 650 in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before gradually recovering, with 540 participants recorded in 2023 and 586 in 2024.

In 2025, overall participation increased significantly to more than 836 runners.

Venue and Route

The starting point will once again be Kids Pioneer Primary School, Bugiri-Kisubi, in Katabi Town Council.

Participants travelling from Kampala will take Entebbe Road towards Kawuku, approximately 25km from Kampala.

At Kawuku, at the Bwerenga Road boda-boda stage, participants should turn left and continue along the murram road towards Kids Pioneer Primary School for approximately 4km.

After about 3km along the murram road, runners will reach a Y-junction. They should keep right, pass Mahathi oil company and continue straight, with Lake Victoria on the left.

Further ahead, participants should turn left at the Kids Pioneer Primary School signpost. The school’s main entrance will be approximately 100 metres from that point.

Objectives and Community Impact

Last year, the organisation reached and trained approximately 800 pupils, both girls and boys, from 12 primary schools across Wakiso, Luwero, Kiryandongo and Aleptong Districts.

Kids of Africa also established a modern sewing workshop for the production of reusable menstrual pads at Kids of Africa Village and in Buhweju District in western Uganda.

This year’s run will continue to use sport as a platform to raise awareness, mobilise support and contribute to the fight against gender-based violence.

Races, Age Categories and Scenic Routes

The event will feature three race categories: 5km, 10km and 21km, with different age categories.

5km

• Under 12
• 13–17
• 18–49
• 50+

10km

• 13–17
• 18–49
• 50+

21km

• 18+

Participants are expected to report to the venue at 6:30am to collect their event T-shirts and race numbers.

The 21km race will start at 7:30am sharp, followed by the 10km race at 7:55am and the 5km race at 8:15am.

The courses are set in Wakiso District, between Kampala and Entebbe, along the shores of Lake Victoria.

In addition to providing a competitive challenge, the routes will take runners through the local countryside and villages while offering scenic views of Lake Victoria.

Medals and prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers in each race category and respective age group.

Registration and Fees

The registration fee is UGX 30,000 per participant.

Participants can register at the following centres:

1. Kids of Africa, Bwerenga Village, Entebbe — Monday to Sunday, 10am–6pm.
2. Total Namasuba 2, Entebbe Road — Monday to Sunday, 10am–6pm.
3. Madison Building, Devine saloon — Kawuku and Abaita Ababiri branches.

Late registration will be available at the venue on the event day at a higher fee of UGX 50,000.

However, participants who register on the day of the event will not receive a T-shirt and will not be allocated a race time.

Sponsors

The organisers have expressed their appreciation to all sponsors who have supported the Kids of Africa Runs since 2011.

Special gratitude has been extended to I&M bank, the main sponsor for the 2026 edition, and YAKO Bank, the co-sponsor.

Other sponsors and partners include Sheraton Kampala Hotel, MMAKS Advocates,Flora Events,Yako Bank,Divine Esthetics, ROKO,Kisubi Hospital, Multisport Centre, Eden Fitness Gym,Sai Pali institute of science and technology,Kids Pioneer Primary School, Katabi Town Council, Basamulekkere Foundation,Sembeza Africa, Umoja Women Group, Rugby Swans Club, Miss Tourism Teso,CoRSU, Memprow and Chrysm Digital Solutions.

With approximately 1,000 participants expected, this year’s Kids of Africa Run aims to use sport not only to promote health and community engagement but also to raise awareness and support efforts to combat gender-based violence in Uganda.