A nationwide campaign to improve the lives of vulnerable elderly people has been launched, with organisers calling on Ugandans to rally behind a run aimed at restoring dignity, care and hope to older persons living in difficult conditions.
The initiative, dubbed Run Miles of Love for Our Elders, will take place on August 1, 2026, at Kabale Municipal Stadium. Organised by Save and Heal Uganda, the event seeks to raise funds for elderly people struggling with poverty, chronic illnesses, inadequate housing and social isolation.
Launching the campaign in Kampala on Friday, Save and Heal Uganda Executive Director Shallon Ahakundire said that many senior citizens, particularly in rural areas, continue to endure hardship despite having spent their lives raising families and contributing to national development.
‘Our elderly people deserve to live with dignity, care and hope. This run gives Ugandans an opportunity to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our communities and families,’ Ms Ahakundire said.
She noted that while development programmes often focus on children and youth, many older persons remain overlooked and face challenges such as poor access to healthcare, loneliness, abandonment and extreme poverty.
According to Ms Ahakundire, proceeds from the run will help provide medical treatment for elderly people battling chronic diseases and support the renovation of unsafe housing.
The campaign has attracted backing from several corporate partners, including MTN Uganda through MTN MoMo.
Speaking at the launch, MTN MoMo Central Regional Business Manager Samuel Osapa said older persons play a critical role in preserving knowledge and cultural values.
‘Taking care of the elderly is important because they are a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom that must be passed on to future generations,’ Mr Osapa said.
He added that MTN Uganda had joined the initiative as both a sponsor and payment partner to facilitate contributions and ensure transparency in the fundraising process.
The President of the Uganda Cycling Association, Sam Muwonge, described the campaign as a timely intervention for a segment of society that is often forgotten.
‘When we support elderly people, we remind them that they still matter and deserve attention, respect and care. Such initiatives help restore dignity and hope,’ Mr Muwonge said.
Approaching 80 years of age himself, Mr Muwonge encouraged older persons to remain physically active, noting that cycling had helped him maintain good health over the years.
The campaign has also received support from Graceous Tours and Travel. Its Managing Director, Grace Baite, pledged both financial and transport support towards the event.
Organisers expect more than 10,000 participants and have appealed to companies, development partners, religious institutions and members of the public to support the cause through sponsorships, donations and active participation.
Beyond fundraising, the run aims to spark a national conversation on the growing challenges facing Uganda’s ageing population and encourage communities to take greater responsibility for the welfare of older persons.