By Mulengera Reporters
Dr. Charles Lagu, a former parliamentary candidate for West Moyo Constituency in Moyo District, is channeling his political energy into a mission of compassion. He is mobilizing communities from the West Nile region to Kampala in support of a national charity drive tied to the 52nd birthday run of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
Having recently joined the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Dr. Lagu says his decision was guided by a belief in the organization’s principles and its promise of transformation. Just weeks into this new political chapter, he is already actively mobilizing supporters and investing his own resources in a cause he believes transcends politics.
Leading a team largely composed of Zingiti members from Moyo to the PLU headquarters in Kololo, Dr. Lagu brought more than enthusiasm. He purchased a number of running kits, describing the contribution as both symbolic and practical. Each kit, priced at Shs 20,000, contributes directly to a charity fund supporting disadvantaged children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups across Uganda.
For Dr. Lagu, the run is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. He has urged his supporters and the wider public to participate in large numbers, emphasizing that collective effort can drive meaningful change. His appeal cuts across political divides, inviting all Ugandans to embrace charity as a shared national responsibility.
His message resonates strongly with the realities of his home region, where access to education, healthcare, and social services remains limited for many. The veterinarian and animal scientist views the initiative as a model that communities like Moyo can replicate, using collective goodwill to uplift those left behind. In his view, charity is not only about giving but also about restoring dignity and creating pathways to a better future.
Dr. Lagu, the former Executive Director of the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), and his team were received by Michael Mawanda Maranga, Member of Parliament for Igara County East and Director of Mobilization for PLU, who welcomed their support for the run.
Scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, the event will take place at the Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. It will feature multiple race categories, including 5km, 10km, and a 21km half marathon, catering to both professional and recreational runners. The event is expected to start at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by midday, with performances from leading Ugandan artists adding a festive atmosphere.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is expected to headline the run as the chief runner, a presence organizers believe will inspire widespread participation. Held under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope,” the event aims to raise funds for underprivileged children and baby homes across the country.
For Dr. Lagu, the significance of the run extends beyond a single event. It reflects a broader vision of unity—where patriotism is defined not by political allegiance, but by a willingness to support those in need. He believes that when Ugandans come together for a common cause, the impact can extend far beyond one day.
As the countdown to April 26 continues, Dr. Lagu remains focused on mobilizing as many participants as possible, convinced that every step taken will carry hope to someone in need. His journey from Moyo to Kampala is not just about taking part in a race, but about advancing a narrative of compassion, inclusion, and national solidarity.
