USEF Charity Run Raises Support for Girls’ Education in Terego

The Uriama Seff Empowerment Foundation (USEF), in partnership with Peace for Women-West Nile and other stakeholders, has held the third edition of its annual charity run at Wandi Primary School in Terego District to raise funds for girls’ education.

The event featured 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, health services, aerobics and community sensitisation activities focused on education, gender-based violence and community wellbeing.

According to USEF Executive Director Ben Anguma, the initiative started in 2024 after the organisation identified low access to secondary education among girls in Terego. The first two editions supported 28 vulnerable girls to access secondary education.

Anguma said USEF is targeting Shs18 million this year, with the aim of increasing the number of beneficiaries to 42 girls.

Peace for Women-West Nile Executive Director Abaru Peace said gender-based violence contributes to school dropout, teenage pregnancy and early marriage. She pledged to work with communities to address these challenges and encourage families to keep girls in school.

Terego District officials also supported the initiative, calling for greater parental support, prevention of early marriage and changes in community attitudes towards girls’ education. They also expressed concern over boys dropping out of school and becoming involved in drug abuse.

The event attracted local leaders, teachers, health workers, civil society organisations, residents and supporters from across the region. The district health team provided medical and first-aid services, while participants took part in aerobics and other physical activities.

USEF said poverty and cultural attitudes that favour educating boys continue to prevent some girls from staying in school. Communications Secretary for USEF Ringua Sabino said the foundation works with students, young people and community leaders to promote education.

Beneficiaries also participated in the run with One beneficiary saying that USEF’s support had enabled her to remain in school and pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon.

Queen Hadijja Juma, who participated in the run, said her decision was inspired by her own experience with education sponsorship. She said the support she once received showed her the importance of helping vulnerable girls and called on people in West Nile and abroad to contribute to the cause.

Participant Innocent Amadrile also said that taking part in the run gave him an opportunity to contribute to the education and protection of girls, urging the community to support similar initiatives.

The charity run has grown over the years beyond a sporting event into a platform for fundraising, community mobilisation and advocacy for girls’ education. The foundation is also working on a sustainability model to help beneficiary families improve their incomes and eventually support other vulnerable families.

With a target of Shs18 million, organisers hope to sustain existing beneficiaries and expand support to more girls.

The third Edition of the USEF Charity run brought together sport, fundraising, health awareness and advocacy under one cause — keeping the girl child in school and for Running for the Girl Child.