St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda-Mbalala in Mukono came alive on Saturday morning as the community turned up for the annual Good Samaritan Run.
The 2025 edition, held under the theme “Supporting the Boy and Girl Child”, was flagged off by Ronald Kibuule, the NRM candidate for Mukono County North.
The run seeks to raise funds to keep at least 1,000 vulnerable children in school within Mbalala.
The Good Samaritan Ministry, founded by Tezira Ssebaggala, wife of the former Bishop of Mukono Diocese, has become a pillar of support for struggling families in Mbalala and surrounding communities.
Over the years, it has provided education, health services, and psychosocial support to children at risk of dropping out of school, with a special focus on adolescents.
“As the church, we work with schools to uplift and support needy children who have dropped out,” says Harriet Katabaira, a retired nursing officer and chairperson of the ministry.
“The Good Samaritan calls us to reach out to the destitute, and that is the heart of our mission.”
Katabaira points out that the growing number of factories in the area increases children’s vulnerability, as many are lured into cheap labour instead of staying in school.
This year’s run is coupled with a free medical camp where specialists offer eye check-ups, cancer screening, blood donation, diabetes and hypertension testing, sickle cell screening, HIV/AIDS testing, and family planning services.
Kibuule, while appreciating the initiative, said such activities build stronger, healthier communities.
“Runs and health camps bring people together beyond just exercise. They create awareness and improve wellbeing,” he remarked.
He pledged to lobby for modern diagnostic equipment to strengthen local health services and vowed to push factories to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
He also contributed UGX 500,000 towards the cause, and promised to lobby for scholarships for disadvantaged learners.
For many children in Mbalala, challenges remain stark. Desire Mirembe, a Senior Three student at Mbalala Secondary School, said child labour continues to lure her peers out of classrooms.
“Most of my colleagues drop out for cheap labour. Many girls face threats on their way to and from school, and some cannot even afford sanitary pads,” she said.
Grace Wakari, the ministry’s deputy head, highlighted the urgent need for menstrual hygiene materials for girls and basic clothing for boys.
“Our young people dream of working in quarries and factories, but we are stepping up efforts to change their mindset and show them a better future,” she explained.
Local leaders praised the ministry’s dedication. Ronald Mulumba, LC I chairperson of Kasenge B, said the ministry has made “tremendous efforts in improving the lives of the destitute and uplifting the entire community.”
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