Kickboxer Moses Golola Headlines Nva Mubende Family Marathon to Improve Maternal and Child Health.

By Amiri Wabusimba.

As part of their annual Nva Mubende Festival, the Nva Mubende family has organized a fundraising marathon to enhance access to Maternal, Child Health, and Nutrition (MCHN) services in Mubende District. The marathon, set to take place on Jan 18 2025, aims to generate crucial funds to support MCHN services at a selected health facility in the region, where maternal and child mortality rates remain alarmingly high.

The marathon, which will kickstart the festival, aims to generate funds to support MCHN services at a selected health facility in Mubende. Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, while the under-five mortality rate is 43 deaths per 1,000 live births (Uganda Bureau of Statistics). Mubende, with its numerous hard-to-reach communities, faces significant healthcare challenges, making this initiative a vital step toward saving lives.

The marathon will be led by Uganda’s celebrated kickboxer and fitness enthusiast, Moses Golola, adding a touch of inspiration and excitement to the event. The 12km race will commence at 7:00 am from Kasaana Play Grounds, passing through key locations such as Kifufu, Kisekende, Kirungi, Cowadisa, Makenke, the Regional Referral Hospital, and Katwe, before returning to Kasaana Play Grounds.

Speaking at a press conference on December 28, Sureman Ssegawa, the visionary behind the initiative, highlighted the community’s role in complementing government efforts in healthcare. “This marathon is more than a race; it is a step toward saving lives. Together, we can ensure that our mothers and children receive the medical attention they desperately need,” he emphasized.

Kabali Haruna, chairperson of the organizing committee, highlighted the unique challenges faced by the region. “Mubende’s healthcare facilities often struggle with limited resources and logistical barriers, especially in remote areas. The funds raised will be used to address these gaps and provide critical supplies to support maternal and child health services,” he explained.

Running kits are available for UGX 20,000, granting participants access to both the marathon and the evening festival. Proceeds will be used to procure mother kits containing essential supplies for expectant mothers, which will be distributed to healthcare facilities across Mubende. Following the marathon, the Nva Mubende Festival will feature a series of vibrant activities, including live performances, cultural showcases, and interactive community sessions. This flagship event has become a cornerstone of unity and social impact, and this year’s focus on maternal and child health underscores the organizers’ dedication to tackling urgent healthcare challenges.

With Uganda’s maternal and child health statistics still below global targets, initiatives like the Nva Mubende Marathon and Festival serve as critical interventions in bridging healthcare gaps. The event promises a day of fitness, inspiration, and collective action, ensuring a brighter future for Mubende’s most vulnerable residents.