Over 21,000 young girls have been kept in school for the last three years courtesy of proceeds from the annual ABSA KH3-7 Hills Run. The fourth edition has been launched today at the ABSA Bank head offices in Nakasero with a new kit design unveiled.
The 2026 Run bankrolled by ABSA Bank in partnership with Kampala Hash House Harriers Uganda is scheduled for 26th April, starting at the Lugogo cricket oval with over 8000 runners expected.
The charity Run that aims to break barriers that prevent girls across the country from accessing education has become a movement to transform lives.
“Since its launch in 2023, this Charity event has raised an impressive UGX 900 million to support girls’ education across Uganda. Each year, the numbers tell a story of growing impact: UGX 200 million in 2023, UGX 300 million in 2024, and UGX 400 million in 2025. This year, the goal is even bolder UGX 1 billion, with an ambitious target to bring participation up to 10,000 runners,” said David Wandera, the Abasa Bank Uganda Managing Director during the launch of this year’s edition on Monday, February 9th 2026.
“It’s about creating lasting change. When we keep a girl in school, we’re investing in the future of our communities and our country. The response we’ve seen over the past two years has been incredible. Over 10,843 girls have already benefited from these funds, and we’re just getting started,” he added.
The run is a celebration of Kampala’s heritage, covering 21 Kilometers across the city’s historic seven hills, Kibuli, Nakasero, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri, and Nsambya. It’s challenging, scenic, but deeply meaningful.
Alice Gita Oketcho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, shared her enthusiasm.
“We’ve been organizing hash runs since 2000, promoting healthy lifestyles in the corporate world. But partnering with Absa has given our community a bigger purpose. Every Kilometer we run translates into opportunities for young girls who might otherwise have to drop out of school. That’s powerful motivation.”
Last year’s run attracted 6,250 participants from the previous year’s 5,500.
This year, the top two male and top two female runners who complete all seven hills will earn spots in the prestigious Run Your City Series in South Africa and Bakayima real estates are contributing two land titles for the top male and top female runners who have completed all 7 hills.
The funds raised go directly to organizations making real differences in girls’ lives, including Baylor College of Medicine’s DREAMS program, Amref Health Africa, Windle International, World Vision, Nyaka AIDS Orphan Project, Katalemwa Cheshire Home, and Smart Girls Uganda. These partnerships ensure that every shilling raised goes toward breaking down barriers that keep girls out of school.
The event has also attracted strong support from corporate partners, including Pepsi as the hydration partner.
