Hundreds of runners gathered at Kitebi Primary School in Kampala on Sunday for the second edition of the Annual Disability Run, an initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities.
Organised by Persons with Disabilities in Business (PIB-UG) and powered by I&M Bank, the event featured a 5km race that brought together persons with disabilities and able-bodied participants to promote interaction and raise awareness about disability inclusion.
The run was officially flagged off by Napak District Woman MP and Parliament Commissioner Faith Nakut, who represented the Speaker of Parliament as the chief runner.
Nakut applauded the organisers for using sport to champion disability inclusion, calling for greater efforts to remove barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing opportunities.
“Persons with disabilities deserve opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, develop their skills and contribute to society. We must work together to remove barriers that limit their participation and ensure they can access opportunities that promote independence and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
Dr Vincent Ssenabulya, the representative of persons with disabilities in the Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko, also emphasised the need to equip people with disabilities with practical skills to help them achieve economic independence.
He noted that providing the necessary skills and opportunities would enable them to develop their talents, participate in productive activities and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
A key objective of this year’s run is to raise funds for the establishment of a resource centre where persons with disabilities can acquire practical skills and participate in income-generating activities.
PIB-UG Executive Director Peninah Nakandi said the planned centre would help beneficiaries develop the capacity to start businesses, earn an income and improve their quality of life.
“Persons with disabilities have the potential to become self-reliant if given opportunities and the necessary skills. Through the resource centre, we want to equip them with practical skills that can help them establish businesses, generate income and improve their quality of life,” Nakandi said.
I&M Bank renewed its partnership with the initiative after supporting the inaugural edition in 2025.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, said the partnership reflects its commitment to supporting communities through its corporate social responsibility programme.
She explained that the bank’s CSR strategy focuses on four pillars: enabling giving, education and skills development, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation.
“Being a part of this event aligns particularly with our commitment to enabling giving, as well as education and skills development. We recognise that investing in people and equipping them with relevant skills creates opportunities for a lasting impact,” Nakiyaga said.
She added that the initiative reflects the bank’s brand promise, “On Your Side”, through which it seeks to support meaningful community programmes and create opportunities for a better future.
Other organisations that supported the event included the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Care Skilling Centre Africa, Kampala Disability Foundation, Nina Interiors and Rotary, among others.
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