Hundreds turn up for 2025 Good Samaritan Run in Mukono

Hundreds of residents thronged St. Andrew’s Church–Mbalala in Mukono for the annual Good Samaritan Run, held under the theme “Supporting the Boy and Girl Child.”

The 2025 edition aims to raise funds to keep at least 1,000 vulnerable children in school within Mbalala. Founded by Tezira Ssebaggala, wife of the former Bishop of Mukono Diocese, the Good Samaritan Ministry has grown into a lifeline for struggling families in Mbalala and surrounding communities.

Over the years, it has provided education, health services, and psychosocial support to children at risk of dropping out, with a special focus on adolescents.

Fighting school dropouts

Harriet Katabaira, a retired nursing officer and chairperson of the ministry, said the church partners with schools to uplift and reintegrate children who have dropped out.

“The Good Samaritan calls us to reach out to the destitute, and that is the heart of our mission,” she said.

Katabaira noted that the rapid growth of factories in the area increases children’s vulnerability, as many are lured into cheap labour instead of staying in school. This year’s run was complemented by a free medical camp where specialists offered services including eye check-ups, cancer screening, blood donation, diabetes and hypertension testing, sickle cell screening, HIV/AIDS testing, and family planning services

Former state minister for Water, Ronald Kibuule, praised the initiative, saying such activities build stronger, healthier communities.

“Runs and health camps bring people together beyond just exercise. They create awareness and improve well-being,” he remarked.

Students shared firsthand accounts of the challenges they face. Desire Mirembe, a senior three student at Mbalala Secondary School, said child labour remains a major obstacle.

“Most of my colleagues drop out for cheap labour. Many girls face threats on their way to and from school, and some cannot even afford sanitary pads,” she said.

Grace Wakari, the ministry’s deputy head, emphasized the urgent need for menstrual hygiene supplies for girls and basic clothing for boys.

“Our young people dream of working in quarries and factories, but we are stepping up efforts to change their mindset and show them a better future,” she explained.

Local leaders applauded the ministry’s dedication. Ronald Mulumba, LC I chairperson of Kasenge B, said the initiative has made “tremendous efforts in improving the lives of the destitute and uplifting the entire community.”