Kids of Africa Run 2026: 1000 Runners Set to Battle Gender-Based Violence as Uganda’s Shelters Shut Down
BWERENGA, Wakiso – Over 1,000 runners are expected to line up this Sunday at Kids Pioneer Primary School in Kisubi for the 14th Edition of the Kids of Africa Run, with this year’s race taking on Uganda’s silent epidemic: Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Organized by the Kids of Africa Swiss African Children’s Village located in Bwerenga, Katabi Town Council, the annual charity run has grown from just 300 runners in 2011 to 836 participants in 2025. This year, organizers are targeting 1,000 runners across three categories: 5km, 10km, and the 21km Half Marathon.
Proceeds from last year’s edition supported menstrual health, training 800 pupils from 12 schools in Wakiso, Luwero, Kiryandongo and Alebtong, and setting up a modern sewing workshop for reusable menstrual pads.
This year, the stakes are higher.
“An estimated 95% of women in Uganda have experienced some form of gender-based violence. It is not a distant statistic. It is your neighbour. Your colleague. Your family,” the organizers said in a statement.
The 2026 proceeds will support GBV survivors in partnership with Umoja Women’s Group, at a time when many shelters are closing due to dwindling international funding.
“We run because they need us too,” the organizers added.
RACE DAY DETAILS:
Venue: Kids Pioneer Primary School, Bugiri-Kisubi. From Kampala, take Entebbe Road to Kawuku (25km), turn left at Bwerenga Road boda stage, continue 4km on murram road. At the Y-junction after 3km, keep right past Mahathi oil company.
Start Time: Sunday, 6:30am – collection of T-shirts and bibs. 21km starts at 7:30am sharp, 10km at 7:55am, and 5km at 8:15am.
Categories:
- 5km: Under 12, 13-17, 18-49, 50+
- 10km: 13-17, 18-49, 50+
- 21km: 18+
The scenic routes run through Wakiso villages with views of Lake Victoria. Medals and prizes will be awarded to top three male and female finishers in each age category.
Registration:
Fee is UGX 30,000 per individual at:
- Kids of Africa, Bwerenga Village Entebbe
- Total Namasuba 2 – Entebbe Road
- Madison Building – Devine Salon, Kawuku and Abaita Ababiri Branches
Late registration on race day will be UGX 50,000 with no guaranteed T-shirt.
Main sponsor for 2026 is I&M Bank, co-sponsored by Yako Bank, with support from Sheraton Kampala Hotel, MMAKS Advocates, Roko, Kisubi Hospital and Katabi Town Council among others.
