KCCA ED BUZEKI CALLS FOR PRIORITIZATION OF GIRL CHILD EDUCATION

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, has called on stakeholders to prioritize girl child education, emphasizing the need to break down barriers hindering young girls from accessing quality education.

Buzeki made the remarks on Sunday March 16, during the 2025 edition of the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run, where she served as the Chief Runner alongside her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi.

Despite the early morning showers, the two officials together with the KCCA staff joined over 6,000 participants in the annual run aimed at raising funds to support disadvantaged girls with school fees and other educational necessities.

The event, organized by Absa Bank Uganda in partnership with various stakeholders, featured 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM races across Kampala under the theme “Change Her Story.”

The proceeds from the run will directly fund initiatives that enhance access to education for girls, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Flagging off the run, Buzeki commended the initiative, noting that investing in girls’ education is crucial for sustainable development.

“When you educate a girl, you empower a community and transform a nation. We must continue to dismantle the financial and societal barriers that prevent girls from accessing education. Today’s participation is a testament to our collective commitment to changing the narrative and ensuring that every girl has a chance to reach her full potential,” Buzeki stated.

The 21KM category saw an intense competition, with last year’s silver medalist, Brian Adams Ategeka, clinching gold this time, finishing in 01:24:32. In the women’s category, Evas Nasasira set a new record with a time of 02:06:02, further elevating the run’s reputation as a premier sporting event in Uganda.

David Wandera, the Interim Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, expressed gratitude to the participants for their unwavering support.

“Your participation strengthens our ambition to be a force for good wherever we operate, allowing us to reach and uplift even more girls in our communities,” Wandera said.

As the event concluded, organizers reiterated their commitment to expanding the impact of the initiative, ensuring that more girls remain in school and have access to a brighter future.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer