I&M Bank Uganda joined hundreds of participants in the annual Kids of Africa Run on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Kids Pioneer Primary School in Kawuku, with this year’s event focusing on raising awareness about gender-based violence.
The run brought together participants across different age groups in 21km, 10km and 5km races, using sport to promote dialogue and collective action against gender-based violence, which continues to affect individuals, families and communities in Uganda.
Tage Budolfsen, founder of Kids of Africa Swiss Village, said the focus on gender-based violence was intended to increase public awareness of the challenge and encourage communities to take action.
“Gender based violence is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities, because it affects people regardless of age, background or social status. Through the Kids of Africa Run, we want to create a platform that will address this challenge,” Budolfsen said.
The Kids of Africa Run has been held for more than two decades and has previously supported awareness around issues including sanitation and menstrual health.
In the 21km race, Mejok Yach Wol Koon led the Male 18+ category in 1:33:16.6.
In the 10km races, Felix Ayikko won the Male 18–34 category in 31:28.4, while Julius Drake Lung won the Male 13–17 category in 37:16.0. Joseph Wafula took the Male 35–49 category in 44:43.0, and Majid Izale Abdul won the Male 50+ category in 39:12.0. Agnes Anero led the Female 18–34 category in 51:01.5.
Other age-group winners included Henry Mutebi, who won the Male 35–49 category in 17:07.9, and Hakim Ddumba, who took the Male 50+ category in 21:44.2.
In the female categories, Joan Jemimah won the Under 12 race in 20:58.7, while Fatuma Akello won the Female 13–17 category in 18:12.0. Joan Akankwatsa took the Female 18–34 category in 18:33.6, while Lilly Grace Acan won the Female 50+ category in 27:07.6.
I&M Bank Uganda, a long-standing partner of the event, said its participation reflects its commitment to initiatives that promote healthier and more resilient communities.
Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda, said the partnership demonstrates the bank’s broader approach to corporate responsibility.
“I&M Bank Uganda Limited is proud to once again support the Kids of Africa Run. We are especially proud to champion such a crucial cause because gender-based violence is not simply a social issue affecting a few individuals. It is a challenge that touches families, workplaces and communities across Uganda,” Nakiyaga said.
She added that supporting platforms such as the run helps create awareness, encourage conversations and promote collective action to prevent violence and protect people’s dignity and wellbeing.
I&M Bank Uganda staff also participated in the run alongside other entrants
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