Last Sunday, Africell Uganda together with artist Bobi Wine and a host of other celebrities joined the thousands of university students in the Face of Makerere breast cancer awareness run.
The run which was organized by the Makerere University Students Guild started off at 7am Sunday morning at the Makerere University freedom square. Close to 5,000 people took part in the charity run that was also graced by Barbie Kyagulanyi. This was the first in a series of planned annual runs. Bobi Wine was the star runner together with many of his Firebase crew members. More awareness on the run was being publicized under the #FaceofMUK16 hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.
The run was sponsored by telecommunications giant Africell as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and in support of the wider vision to improve health across the community by engaging more people with sports. The theme of the run was to create breast cancer awareness among the women, especially young vulnerable women.
Milad Khairallah, Africell’s Commercial Director, said Africell is a commercial entity that cares about society. “Africell Uganda’s mission is not only serving their customers with good services, but is also about delivering sustainable, long-term benefits for communities in which we operate. We are also supportive of meaningful events like this Face of Makerere Run which mainly focuses on the health of women with awareness about endemics like breast cancer.” Milad said.
“Organising the Face of Makerere marathon requires the on-going commitment of sponsors like Africell and a wide range of volunteers. Without them the event simply would not happen”, said Roy Ssemboga, the Makerere University Guild President. “We are excited to have a strong brand such as Africell involved. The support they are providing and the added profile the event will gain will be invaluable.” Roy added. Bobi Wine said he was enthralled to run for a cause that is meant to help women.
The Face of Makerere Run was organised in partnership with the students guild in celebration of the Face of Makerere beauty pageant and the university leadership.
Participants were from all walks of life including women activists, students, their lecturers and the general public. The race started off and ended at the freedom square.
Africell which has committed to sponsor charity activities at the university also promised bigger rewards for the winners of the Face of Makerere beauty pageant at the finals on 04th November 2016.