Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in collaboration with the Uganda Aeronautical Information Services Officers’ Association (UGAISOA) and other partners on Sunday, 20th October, successfully organized the 2024 Aviation run at Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe.
This year’s Aviation Run edition is one of the events organized by the Authority to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), under the theme; “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future.” Proceeds from the run will go towards empowering girls in Namayingo and Budondo (Jinja District) by providing access to menstrual health education and materials for sanitary protection.
Speaking to the participants, Fred Bamwesigye the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s director general, was encouraged to see many of the key industry stakeholders with tremendous support and peak participation as well.
“I would like to commend our partner, Uganda Aeronautical Information Service Officers’ Association (UGAISOA), for mobilizing stakeholders to join the run. The proceeds generated from the Aviation run will be used to support a charitable health initiative to sustainably support vulnerable girls in Namayingo and Budondo (Jinja district) by providing materials and equipment for reusable sanitary towels,” he said.
The director general also affirmed that the event was not about accolades, but about
connecting people, they have succeeded in attracting the best as well as elite runners to add a special flavor to the event but, most importantly, for everyone to enjoy.
He therefore acknowledged all the partners who have participated in this year’s race including DHL, Entebbe Municipal Council, National Water, and Sewerage Corporation, Clarkson, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kajjansi Executive Aviation, Yalicos, China Communications Construction company, Uganda Air Cargo Corporation, Menzies Aviation, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Air operators, schools, medical service providers, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Handling agencies, among others.
“I truly believe that with your deep experience in your respective industries, we can make the Aviation Run
experience a winning one,” the CAA’s director general noted.
When asked about the total funds raised from the event, he answered, saying, “We’re still raising funds, and whatever we collect will be fine for our young sisters.”
On the other hand, Mr. Bamwesigye highlighted that the growth of the industry is also seen in the performance of
passenger traffic, which is continuing to increase post-COVID-19, whereby in September 2024, Entebbe International Airport recorded a total of 188,710 passengers, of which 100,350 were arriving and 88,360 departing passengers an average of 6,290 per day compared to the 5,710 per day recorded in the same month of September 2023. Cargo
recorded a total of 5,739 metric tonnes in September 2024 93,701 exports and 2,038 imports).
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important to note that Air transport is a key driver of socioeconomic development worldwide and has got influence on other sectors like tourism, agriculture, and now oil and gas. Your continued support of the industry’s efforts is highly appreciated,” he noted.
Winners in each category moved away with medals and prizes. The 5 km race winners for both men and women were awarded the gold medal plus Shs. 300,000=, second with a silver medal with Shs. 200,000/- and the third being awarded a bronze medal together with 100,000/- well as in the 10 km category, winners were awarded gold medals together with Shs. 500,000/-, second in position with a silver medal plus 300,000/- and third with a bronze medal together with 200,000/- for both men and women.
“Whether you are a winner or not, you are all champions. In the long run, your investment in health runs of this nature gives you rich returns in terms of health, well-being, and contentment, besides contributing to the charity,” Mr Bamwesigye, the CAA’s director general, concluded.
The president of the Uganda Aeronautical Information Services Officers’ Association (UGAISOA), Moses Obbi, highlighted that Namayingo Primary School will house the sanitary towel facility for the Namayingo district.
In addition, he revealed that talks are in place with the Landlord in Budondo zone, Jinja district, to have a sanitary facility at one of his buildings that will manufacture sanitary towels for the girls at school and women.
2024 Aviation Run winners
Daniel Comboni (Kids of Africa) merged first in the men’s 10 km race, followed by Felix Ayiko and Geoffrey Luteezo, both from Airforce, and Jancinta Nambunya from Uganda Airlines won the women’s 10 km race, followed by Viola Kalembe (CAA) and Linda Nabukeera (Entebbe Comprehensive) respectively.
For the sake of the 5 km run, Raymond Omara (Airforce) merged first in the men’s category, followed by Patrick Labega (Kampala Kids) and Lymon Tomanya from Ntungamo district. In the women’s category, Patience Asasira (Yali) won the race followed by Maria Praise Natukunda in the second position and Gift Amutuhaire merging third, both from Entebbe Comprehensive Secondary School.
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