Over the weekend, Mengo SS provided a powerful display of community strength and alumni loyalty in its inaugural marathon that generated contributions worth more than Shs 600m to provide a massive boost towards the construction of a Shs 18 billion multipurpose dining facility.
The event, held on the morning of Saturday, September 27, as part of the celebrations to mark the school’s 130th anniversary, saw more than 20,000 runners, including students, parents, alumni and well-wishers, take to the streets of Mengo, Bakuli, Nakulabye and Kasubi to transform a historical celebration into a dynamic fundraising drive.
Contributions were mostly through buying of running kits while the school also got pledges mostly from government, KCCA, old students and well-wishers.
According to Nantagya Grace Ssebanakitta, the school head teacher, the funds raised from the marathon will significantly accelerate the ambitious project, a nine-storied structure designed to address the needs of the school’s thousands of learners. He also confirmed that the project is now on a fast track.
“The overwhelming support and the pledges from this marathon have exceeded our expectations,” he said.
“This is a clear testament to the spirit of belonging that defines the Mengo SS family. I can now assure you with even greater confidence that this transformative facility will be completed in the record time of three years,” he said.
“The momentum we are building is incredible. We are not just building a structure; we are transforming Uganda’s approach to educational infrastructure.”
The latest success follows an earlier fundraising dinner that garnered over Shs 2 billion, bringing the total known pledges to Shs 4 billion. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who participated, hailed the initiative as a model for community-led development.
“What we have witnessed here today is more than a marathon; it is a movement,” he stated.
“When an institution like Mengo SS can mobilise its community to this level, it sets a powerful example for the entire country. This is how we build a future for our children—through collective action and shared vision. KCCA is proud to support such endeavours that complement our efforts in improving educational infrastructure,” he said.
“I ran today not just as a lord mayor, but as a believer in the power of collective action for our children’s future. The success of this marathon is a victory for every Ugandan who values education.”
Meanwhile, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, who was the chief runner, expressed her honour at being part of the historic event.
“The government recognises the critical role that schools like Mengo SS play in national development. This initiative demonstrates how communities can innovatively mobilize resources to complement government efforts in education,” she said.
Now that Mengo SS’ first marathon ended with success, the country’s oldest education institution has not only taken a giant leap towards realizing its Shs 18 billion dream but has also potentially ignited a new tradition of fitness and philanthropic fundraising within the education sector.
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