KABALE, Uganda — Save and Heal Uganda, a non-Government organisation, has launched a major charity campaign dubbed “Run Miles of Love for Our Elders”, aimed at raising awareness and mobilising support for vulnerable elderly people facing poverty, illness, neglect and inadequate housing.
The charity run is scheduled to take place on August 1, 2026, at Kabale Municipal Stadium, bringing together individuals, companies, community organisations, religious institutions and development partners to support elderly persons in need.
Speaking during the launch, Shallon Ahakundiire, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Save and Heal Uganda, said the initiative was inspired by the plight of elderly people she witnessed while growing up in rural Uganda.
“We established Save and Heal Uganda because we believe that every person deserves dignity, care and support in old age. We want elderly people to know that they are valued and that there are people who genuinely care about their wellbeing,” Ahakundiire said.
She noted that many older persons are living in isolation after their children migrated to urban centres or passed away, leaving them without adequate care and support.
“As a result, many older persons are left isolated, vulnerable and without anyone to care for them when they fall sick or face other challenges. Some live in extreme poverty and lack access to basic necessities,” she said.
Ahakundiire explained that the organisation’s mission is to create awareness about the challenges facing elderly people while mobilising communities to support them.
She revealed that proceeds from the charity run will support a Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) programme for elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses and a housing support programme for those living in unsafe and dilapidated structures.
“We therefore call upon individuals, organisations, partners and well-wishers to join us in this cause. Together, we can create awareness, improve the lives of vulnerable elderly people and ensure that they live with dignity and hope,” Ahakundiire said.
Samuel Osapa, Regional Sales Manager at MTN Mobile Money Uganda, announced that the company had joined the initiative as both a sponsor and official payment partner.
“We are honoured to partner with Save and Heal Uganda in supporting one of the most important yet often overlooked groups in our communities — the elderly,” Osapa said.
He described older persons as custodians of valuable knowledge and experience that should be preserved for future generations.
“A healthy nation is built on healthy communities, and the elderly represent a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience. By supporting and caring for them, we are preserving valuable knowledge and heritage that can be passed on to future generations,” he said.
Osapa said MTN Mobile Money would provide digital platforms through which supporters can donate and purchase participation kits.
“As sponsors, we are contributing resources to help the organisers achieve their objectives and ensure the success of this important cause. As the payment partner, we are leveraging MTN Mobile Money to make it easy, secure and convenient for Ugandans to support the initiative,” he said.
Grace Baita, Managing Director of Gracious Tours & Travel Ltd, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to community engagement.
“As a company operating in the tourism industry, we believe tourism is about much more than visiting beautiful places and enjoying scenic attractions. It is also about connecting with people, understanding different communities and appreciating the lives and experiences of those we encounter along the way,” Baita said.
She noted that her company frequently facilitates community-based tourism experiences that expose visitors to the realities faced by vulnerable groups, including elderly people.
Baita pledged logistical support towards the event. “As Gracious Tours & Travel, we are committed to contributing towards the success of this initiative. We will provide support for the project and facilitate transportation arrangements for participants taking part in the event,” she said.
The Uganda Cycling Association also endorsed the initiative, with its President Sam Mahaba Muwonge describing support for elderly people as a national responsibility.
“I am especially happy to support this cause because it focuses on elderly people, a group that is often overlooked despite the valuable contributions they continue to make to society,” Muwonge said.
The veteran cycling administrator, who said he is approaching 80 years of age, noted that active lifestyles can help older persons remain healthy and productive.
“Cycling has taught me that age should never be a barrier to living an active and healthy life. I am approaching 80 years of age and I still ride a bicycle regularly,” he said.
Drawing from his international experiences, Muwonge urged Ugandans to emulate countries that have developed strong support systems for older persons.
“In many countries, I have seen communities that deliberately create support systems for older persons, ensuring that they live with dignity and remain active members of society. This is something we should continue to promote in Uganda,” he said.
He pledged the cycling fraternity’s participation in future editions of the event.
According to organisers, participants will purchase official run kits at Shs30,000, with proceeds supporting healthcare and housing interventions for vulnerable elderly people. Save and Heal Uganda says the event is expected to attract hundreds of participants from across the Kigezi sub-region and beyond, while promoting a culture of compassion, inclusion and responsibility towards older persons.
The initiative is driven by co-organisers My3 Group Services in partnership with Gracious Tours & Travel, BAJ Service Station, MTN MoMo, and Pepsi which has injected 1,000 cartons of water to fuel participants during the highly anticipated run.