By Guest Writer
Fresh from the Oak Celebrations of Mushanga Parish in the Archdiocese of Mbarara on Saturday, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, this morning joined thousands of runners at Makerere University to run for students with disabilities.
The 2026 edition organized under the theme: “Run the Hills for the Future,” turned a rainy morning of sport into a powerful call for compassion, inclusion, and opportunity for students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the university’s Freedom Square, the Speaker, himself a former Makerere student and resident of University Hall, donated Shs10 million to the Makerere University Endowment Fund, which organised the marathon to support the university’s Disability Support Unit and needy students.
“A student living with a disability does not need pity; they need opportunity,” Oboth said.
In his address, Oboth drew on Makerere’s terrain as a metaphor for the nation’s development trajectory, arguing that Uganda’s path toward accountability and transformation would require sustained effort rather than resignation in the face of obstacles.
“A hill is not a reason to stop; it is an invitation to rise,” he told the gathering, urging young people not to be deterred by societal hurdles or a rapidly changing world.
“Every kilometre run today therefore carries a greater purpose. And that purpose is in the small contribution we all make for to help vulnerable students overcome barriers and reach their own finish line,” he told the thousands of marathoners who turned up.
The event was also graced by Dr. Crispus Kiyonga the Chancellor of Makerere University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chairperson University Council Dr. Ronah Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere Endowment Fund Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Members of the University Council and management, faculty, students, alumni, and partner organizations to the institution.
The Speaker used the occasion to challenge students to regard higher education as more than a route to a degree or employment.
Citing Nelson Mandela’s description of education as “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He implored them to apply their knowledge toward solving community problems and to lead with integrity.
Oboth commended Makerere University and its Endowment Fund for channeling marathon proceeds toward the university’s Disability Support Unit and economically disadvantaged students, framing the support as a matter of empowerment rather than charity.
Turning to university staff, the Speaker praised lecturers and administrators for their role in shaping the character and capabilities of future leaders, asserting that an institution’s strength rests in its human capital rather than its physical infrastructure. He also appealed directly to alumni, urging them to reflect on their contributions toward improving the university for future generations.
Closing his remarks, Oboth said national progress depends on active citizen participation rather than government action alone.
“Uganda’s future will not be built by Government alone,” he said. “It will be built by a generation prepared to climb rather than complain about the height of the hill.”
He called on young citizens to take an active role in shaping, improving, and building the nation.
The Makerere University Marathon continues to champion inclusive education, healthy living, and community engagement. Every runner who registered, every sponsor who contributed, and every supporter who cheered helped give a deserving student a fair chance at education.
Thousands of participants received certificates in the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km categories, while winners walked away with trophies. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
