Africa-Press – Uganda. The Church of Uganda has raised more thanShs50 million in cash and pledges during its Provincial Do Good Run held at Mengo Senior School, as part of a campaign to fund the construction of a Mothers’ Union Hostel in Kampala.
The project is part of the Church’s broader drive toward self-sustainability amid a shift away from dependency on external donors.
The event was led by Chief Runner Canon Dr Johnson Byabashaija, Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service, who participated alongside a team of Commissioners and over 400 prisons officers.
Dr Byabashaija praised the Church and the Mothers’ Union for their leadership in moral guidance and for pioneering local resource mobilization.
“This effort shows that we do not always have to look outside the country for support.
The Mothers’ Union has demonstrated what it means to champion values, promote discipline, and lead by example,” he said, pledging continued support from the Uganda Prisons Service.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, said the initiative aimed not only to raise funds but also to encourage Ugandans to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise.
“Exercise is a form of stewardship of the body. Your body is a temple of the Lord and should be kept healthy. We chose this run to show that we can support our work locally while promoting physical wellness,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He noted that the Church’s vision of becoming a fast-growing, sustainable, and Christ-centred institution had gained urgency following the withdrawal of some international partners due to value-based differences.
In line with that vision, the Mothers’ Union is spearheading the hostel project, which is intended to provide secure and affordable accommodation for students—particularly girls—at Mengo Senior School.
Ms Grace Murengezi, Provincial President of the Mothers’ Union, said the need for the facility had become apparent due to overcrowding and safety concerns.
“We realized many students, especially girls, lack decent accommodation. This hostel will address that need and offer a secure environment conducive to learning. I urge all members and well-wishers to support this cause,” Murengezi said.
According to Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Family Life Ministry Coordinator for the Church of Uganda, the proposed four-floor hostel will be located in Bakuli, central Kampala, and is projected to cost about Shs4.6 billion.
Funding will be drawn from local diocesan contributions and international mission partners who continue to align with the Church’s current values and direction.
The event drew a strong turnout from Church leaders and supporters, including the Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng, Canon Dr Ruth Senyonyi—former Mothers’ Union President and current Chair of the Uganda AIDS Commission—Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons Hillary Bisanga, and Bishops’ spouses Mama Jean Magezi (North West Ankole Diocese) and Mama Florence Wakula (Central Busoga Diocese), among others.
The Do Good Run is part of a growing trend among faith-based institutions in Uganda to blend development initiatives with health and wellness outreach, while building internal capacity to sustain operations independently.
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