Absa Bank Uganda has announced the return of the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run charity race, scheduled for April 26, 2026 at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala, with organisers targeting 10,000 participants and UGX 1 billion in fundraising to support initiatives that keep girls in school.
The annual run, organised in partnership with the Kampala Hash House Harriers, has raised UGX 900 million since its launch in 2023. Contributions have grown steadily from UGX 200 million in 2023 to UGX 300 million in 2024 and UGX 400 million in 2025, benefiting more than 10,843 girls through education-focused programmes across Uganda.
“This isn’t just about running,” said Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director David Wandera at the launch. “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.”
The 21 kilometre race takes participants across Kampala’s historic seven hills including Kibuli, Nakasero, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri and Nsambya, combining a demanding route with a fundraising cause centred on education access.
Alice Gita Oketcho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, said the partnership has added a deeper social purpose to the running community’s activities. “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.”
Participation has grown steadily, with 6,250 runners taking part last year compared to 5,500 the previous year. Organisers expect the upward trend to continue, helped by new incentives including entries for the top two male and female finishers in the Run Your City Series in South Africa, while Bakayima has pledged land titles for the top male and female runners completing all seven hills.
Funds raised from the event support organisations working to remove barriers to girls’ education, including Baylor College of Medicine’s DREAMS programme, Amref Health Africa, Windle International, World Vision, Nyaka AIDS Orphan Project, Katalemwa Cheshire Home and Smart Girls Uganda.
Corporate backing remains strong, with Pepsi returning as hydration partner, alongside support from Bakayima, Mighty Rides and 16 running clubs across Uganda, reflecting growing collaboration between the corporate sector, community groups and the fitness fraternity around the initiative.
