AMDA run puts preventive health at the centre of charity drive

What the report says

The annual AMDA Caravan Run took place on Sunday at Kitante Primary School in Kampala, where about 1,200 registered participants joined 5km and 10km races that also supported fundraising for a wider outreach programme. The event was organised by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) and combined sport, health awareness and preparation for a community caravan planned for Nyabwina Parish in Sheema District later this year.

According to The Independent Uganda, the run was not only a charity event but also a platform for preventive health messaging. Organisers said it was intended to mobilise resources for free services while encouraging exercise, early disease detection and routine check-ups. The programme included a mini medical camp with cancer screening, HIV counselling and testing, giving participants an opportunity to assess their health status.

Martin Byamukama, who heads AMDA’s Sports Council, said the caravan is meant to bring services directly to communities instead of requiring people to travel for care. Dr Rosemary Byanyima, executive director of Mulago Hospital and an AMDA member, linked the event to broader concerns about non-communicable diseases and said physical activity should become part of everyday life. The planned caravan in Nyabwina is expected to provide medical and non-medical support, including dentistry, ophthalmology and screening for breast and cervical cancer, and is projected by organisers to reach about 6,000 people. In a broader Ugandan context, the report reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to preventive and specialist care in underserved areas.