KISORO UGANDA: Hope for Us-Uganda is set to organise the Batwa Run 2026 to raise funds for the construction of a vocational school estimated to cost more than UGX 200 million in Busaro Village, Chahi Sub-county, Kisoro District.
The run is scheduled for November 29, 2026, at the Mayor’s Gardens in Kisoro Municipality under the theme “Run for Conservation, Inclusion and for Life.”Participants will be required to purchase running kits at UGX 80,000 for corporate participants and UGX 20,000 for ordinary participants.
According to the organisers, purchasing a kit will also mean contributing towards the cause of establishing the vocational school.
The funds raised will support the establishment of the institution, which is intended to equip members of the Batwa community and people from neighbouring communities with practical skills to improve their employment opportunities and promote self-reliance.
The planned training programmes will include computer skills, driving, tailoring, carpentry and joinery, and construction, among other technical courses.
Speaking about the initiative, Javilla Nchunguyinka, the Director of Hope for Us-Uganda, said the organisation initially focused on welfare support but now intends to expand its efforts towards skills development.
“Initially, we started by supporting the Batwa community through welfare activities, but we realised that it is also important to empower them with practical skills that can help them become self-reliant.That is why we are now focusing on establishing a vocational institute where the Batwa and people from neighbouring communities can acquire skills such as tailoring, carpentry, driving, computer studies and construction to improve their livelihoods.” Javilla Nchunguyinka, Director, Hope for Us-Uganda
Nchunguyinka said the planned institution is expected to help address some of the challenges facing the Batwa community, particularly limited access to education, employment and economic opportunities.
She explained that vocational training would equip learners with practical skills that could help them secure employment or establish their own income-generating businesses.
“We want to equip the Batwa and people from neighbouring communities with practical skills that can help them get jobs or start their own businesses. Through this vocational institute, we believe that skills development will create more opportunities for young people to improve their livelihoods and become economically self-reliant.” Javilla Nchunguyinka, Director, Hope for Us-Uganda.
The Batwa are among Uganda’s historically marginalised communities and continue to face social and economic challenges.
The proposed vocational school seeks to create opportunities for skills acquisition and improve their participation in economic activities.
Beyond fundraising, the event aims to bring together members of the public, businesses and development partners to support community development, environmental conservation and social inclusion.
Hope for Us-Uganda is calling on members of the public, corporate organisations, businesses and development partners to participate in the run and contribute towards the establishment of the vocational school.
