The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has partnered with MTN Uganda, Housing Finance Bank, Goldstar Insurance and Next Media to raise at least Shs1.5 billion for the renovation of public primary schools across the country through the eighth edition of the NSSF Kampala Hills Run.
The annual charity run, scheduled for December 6, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, will support improvements in classroom infrastructure, sanitation facilities and digital literacy in public schools.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, November 2, at Workers House in Kampala, NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said the initiative was intended to complement government investment in education infrastructure, particularly in communities where learning conditions remain inadequate.
“We are aware that Government has devoted some resources to improving the infrastructure, but the need is enormous. With support from our partners and the public, we hope to raise about UGX 1 billion to renovate about 10 public schools across the country,” Ayota said.
Although the official fundraising target for this year’s edition is Shs1.5 billion, Ayota said the initiative reflects the Fund’s broader approach to integrating social and environmental priorities into its business strategy.
“Over the years, we have been intentional in transitioning from being just a good corporate citizen to focusing on sustainability as a business while ensuring that social and environmental needs are embedded in the Fund’s business strategy. Access to quality education is a key initiative in the delivery of this agenda,” he said.
Ayota also challenged beneficiary schools to mobilise Shs100 million each by March 31, 2027, promising that NSSF and its partners would provide matching support.
He said the initiative had expanded beyond Kampala, where it initially worked with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), to reach public schools in different parts of the country.
The Fund is also encouraging parents to cultivate a savings culture for their children, with contributions starting at Shs5,000 monthly.
The eighth edition has attracted financial commitments from several corporate partners. MTN Uganda has contributed Shs100 million, Housing Finance Bank Shs80 million, while Goldstar Insurance and Stanbic Bank have each pledged Shs50 million.
Clarkson Insurance Brokers has also committed Shs15 million, while Next Media will serve as the official broadcast partner through NBS Sport.
Speaking on behalf of MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Martin Sebuliba, the company’s Senior Manager for Brand and Communications, said the telecommunications firm was supporting the initiative because of its focus on reducing the digital divide in education.
He said improving access to digital learning in rural schools was necessary to ensure that more children benefit from technological advancement.
Housing Finance Bank Managing Director Michael K. Mugabi said the partnership demonstrated how corporate institutions could combine resources to address challenges affecting communities.
“Behind every renovated classroom block is a child who can learn without the disruption of the hazards of weather,” Mugabi said.
He added that the bank’s sustainability priorities were aligned with NSSF’s focus on education and job creation, describing partnerships that deliver measurable community impact as essential.
Next Media’s NBS Sport Brand Manager, Desire Derrickford Mugumisa, pledged to use the media group’s platforms to publicise the challenges facing public schools and encourage more Ugandans to participate.
He said every participant and running kit purchased would contribute to improving classrooms, sanitation facilities and digital learning opportunities.
Barbra Teddy Arimi, NSSF’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, thanked corporate partners for their contributions, saying the Fund was targeting Shs1.5 billion through the initiative.
She said NSSF had also decided to allocate part of the proceeds towards improving digital literacy among children in public schools.
Other partners include Uganda Athletics Federation, which is the technical partner; Crown Beverages Limited, through its Aquafina brand, as the official water provider; and Uganda Red Cross Society, which will provide first aid services.
Startimes, Nation Media Group Uganda, Vision Group, Clarkson Insurance Brokers, Bank of Uganda, Yo Uganda, National Medical Stores, Fenon Records, Uganda Railways Corporation, ICPAU and Galaxy FM are also supporting the event in various capacities.
Aquafina, represented by Brand Manager Grace Namutebi, pledged support as the event’s official hydration partner, saying the company was backing efforts to promote a healthier and more active Uganda while supporting improvements in public schools.
“Whatever your distance or pace, Aquafina will be there,” Namutebi said, urging participants to purchase the Shs35,000 kits and take part in the run scheduled for December 6.
Goldstar Insurance also pledged Shs50 million towards the school renovation drive. Its Chief Executive Officer, John Kawuma, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to building hope and creating opportunities through education.
Kawuma welcomed NSSF’s appeal for more organisations to contribute, saying lasting change required collective effort.
25 schools benefit from previous editions
NSSF said proceeds from previous editions of the Kampala Hills Run had supported the renovation of 25 public primary schools across the country, benefiting more than 40,000 pupils every school day.
The interventions have reportedly contributed to a 12% increase in enrolment and a 10% reduction in school dropout rates at beneficiary institutions.
Among the schools that have benefited are Lira Modern Primary School in Lira District, Nandago Primary School in Sironko District and St Mary’s Primary School in Kyatiri, Masindi District.
The Fund said the renovations are intended to improve the physical conditions in which children learn while expanding access to digital literacy.
The eighth NSSF Kampala Hills Run will take place on December 6 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Participants can purchase running kits at Shs35,000 and register through the NSSF website or by dialling *217*277#.
The initiative combines fundraising with a public fitness event, with organisers encouraging individuals, families, corporate teams and other groups to participate in support of improved learning conditions in public schools.
