Uganda’s maternal health crisis has prompted the return of the Corporate Run, with organisers targeting funds to provide 5,000 mama kits to expectant mothers across the country.
The fourth edition of the charity run will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 6:00 a.m. at the NEC Grounds in Bugolobi, Kampala, under the theme “Run for Expectant Mothers.”
Held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the campaign will support three health centres in communities where access to essential maternal health supplies remains a challenge.
Uganda continues to face a significant maternal mortality burden, with more than 3,000 maternal deaths recorded annually. Severe bleeding, infections, pregnancy-related hypertension and teenage pregnancies remain among the leading causes, while delays in accessing care, shortages of blood and essential delivery supplies, and limited access to skilled health workers further compound the challenge.
At the launch of the 2026 Corporate Run at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala, Ministry of Health Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Dr Richard Mugahi highlighted the gap between the number of mama kits available and the country’s annual births.
Mugahi said Uganda distributes close to 900,000 mama kits each year, compared with nearly two million births, leaving a substantial shortfall in access to basic maternal health supplies.
“Mothers are the foundation of our homes and our nation. Safeguarding mothers cannot be left to health workers alone. It is the responsibility of the whole community,” Mugahi said.
Corporate Run Chairman Ian Rumanyika said the campaign was partly inspired by the experience of a colleague who left work to give birth several years ago but never returned.
“That experience stayed with me. Behind every number is a mother, a family and a life that matters,” Rumanyika said.
He said the fourth edition of the Corporate Run represents a renewed commitment to making childbirth safer for mothers across Uganda.
For betPawa Uganda Director Allan Tumushabe, whose company is supporting the Corporate Run for the third consecutive edition, the initiative reflects the company’s broader approach to community-level engagement.
“We introduced the Locker Room Bonuses initiative that directly reaches players through their MoMo, as seen in some of the sponsorships we did with FUBA, Futsal and FUFA.
“We are now working on providing the Kawempe community with a boxing gym,” Tumushabe said.
He said the company’s continued support for the Corporate Run demonstrates its commitment to working with communities.
Private Sector Foundation Uganda Chief Executive Officer Stephen Asiimwe described the Corporate Run as one of the most rewarding causes he has participated in, while highlighting the wider social cost of preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
The launch brought together representatives from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Human Resource Managers’ Association of Uganda (HRMAU), Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Ministry of Health, sponsors and other partners, alongside business leaders, government officials, health experts and members of the public.
Registration for the Corporate Run 2026 is now open, with organisers calling on companies, institutions and individuals to take part in the charity run and support the maternal health campaign.
The initiative is supported by Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda, Uganda Baati, Rwenzori, betPawa, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, Ruby Hospital, Uganda Athletics, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, NBS Sport, Galaxy FM and TV, NRG 106.5FM, MovingAds, Node Group, BLACK, High5Media, Hugamara, CIPI Events, Celebrity Fitness Uganda and Jenva Ngoma Arts.
The Corporate Run is organised by Corporate Games Uganda, a sports management company that promotes workplace health and physical fitness through sporting activities, including the Corporate Games, team-building events, kids’ leagues and the annual Corporate Run.
The specific kit sizes often do not align with local market needs in rural areas. My experience shows that larger items are frequently unavailable there.