In Uganda, an estimated 336 deaths occur per 100,000 live births. Over the years, mortality rates for mothers giving birth have contributed to the structural injustices that women face because of their limited access to proper health care. But this year, the MTN Kampala Marathon turned its attention to what has been described as one of “the most tolerated tragedies.”
The marathon, now in its 15th year has been held every third Sunday of November except for 2007 when it was adjusted to accommodate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Since then, it has consistently attracted over 20,000 runners in recent years, an incredible leap from the initial 1,500 people at the first marathon in 2004.
For years, proceeds from the marathon have gone to a range of philanthropic causes such as providing safe water and resettling displaced families but this year the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng announced that all proceeds from this year’s marathon would go towards boosting maternal health in Uganda. Adding that, “no mother should die while giving life to a child.”
Photo Credit: Dr. Jane Ruth Acen's Twitter Account
Back in 2015, Aggrey Kagonyera, one of the MTN Uganda staff that conceived the idea said, for “those interested in philanthropy –it is a way of giving back.” This makes it one of the biggest community philanthropy events in Uganda.
Wim Vanhelleputte, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive announced days before the marathon that the kits had sold out - a record 25,000 kits were bought for the 2019 Kampala Marathon whose attendance included high profile runners like double Commonwealth and African champion Moses Kipsiro and World and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich – including some legislators.
While the marathon has a 5, 10, 21, 42 kilometer and wheelchair race, the most preferred distance is the 10km race attracting an entry of 5,000 participants followed by 2,500 participants running 21km and 1,000 participants running the 42km race.
The genius of the marathon is that it combines a social event with active philanthropy. It is proof to the fact that the collective numbers of community givers and philanthropists can create take on the most pressing challenges of our society.
Photo Credit: Dr. Jane Ruth Acen's Twitter Account