More than 5,000 runners are expected to take part in the Annual Disability Run, aimed at raising funds to build a resource centre for persons with disabilities.
The second edition of the run will be flagged off on October 11 at Kitebi Primary School in Lubaga Division, with organisers targeting Shs400 million to establish the resource centre, where persons with disabilities will acquire various skills and engage in income-generating activities.
The Persons with Disabilities in Business organisation is organising the run as part of efforts to change the perception that persons with disabilities cannot work and must depend on begging for survival.
The organisation’s head, Peninah Nakandi, said the resource centre will equip persons with disabilities with skills that will enable them to create jobs and earn an income.
‘Persons with disabilities, particularly young people, have the potential to become self-reliant if given opportunities and the necessary skills. We are tired of begging and relying on others for economic support; we also want to be depended on,’ Nakandi said.
Several companies, including IandM Bank, URA, Care Skilling Centre Africa, among others, have already pledged their support for the initiative, but the organisers say more support and participants are needed to help raise the funds required to establish the resource centre.
Registration for the run costs Shs. 25,000, and kits are available at various locations in Kampala, at partner companies.