By Eric Yiga
St. Andrew’s Church in Mbalala came alive on Saturday morning as hundreds gathered for the annual Good Samaritan Run, an event aimed at supporting vulnerable children in the community.
The 2025 edition, held under the theme “Supporting the Boy and Girl Child,” was officially flagged off by Ronald Kibuule, the NRM parliamentary candidate for Mukono County North.
Organized by the Good Samaritan Ministry, the run seeks to raise funds to keep at least 1,000 disadvantaged children in school. The ministry, founded by Tezira Ssebaggala, wife of the former Bishop of Mukono Dioceseha, s grown into a vital support system for families in Mbalala and its neighboring communities.
Over the years, the ministry has offered access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to children at risk of dropping out, with particular focus on adolescents.
“As a church, we work hand-in-hand with schools to identify and support children who have dropped out,” said Harriet Katabaira, a retired nursing officer and chairperson of the ministry. “The Good Samaritan spirit calls us to serve the destitute. That is the heart of our mission.”
Katabaira also raised concerns about the growing number of factories in the area, which she said are increasing children’s vulnerability to exploitation.
“Many children are being lured into cheap labor instead of staying in school. We must intervene early,” she added.
This year’s run was complemented by a free medical camp, where specialists offered eye examinations, cancer screenings, blood donation services, diabetes and hypertension testing, sickle cell screening, HIV/AIDS testing, and family planning services.
In his remarks, Kibuule praised the initiative, noting that such events strengthen community bonds and improve overall wellbeing.
“Health camps and charity runs bring us together beyond physical exercise. They raise awareness and promote healthier, more informed communities,” he said.
Kibuule pledged to advocate for improved health infrastructure, including the procurement of modern diagnostic equipment, and called on local factories to adopt environmentally responsible practices. He also contributed UGX 500,000 to the cause and promised to lobby for scholarships for underprivileged learners.
Despite these efforts, many children in Mbalala continue to face serious challenges.
Desire Mirembe, a Senior Three student at Mbalala Secondary School, shared a sobering reality: “Most of my classmates drop out for cheap labor. Girls face threats walking to and from school, and many can’t even afford sanitary pads.”
Grace Wakari, the ministry’s deputy head, echoed the urgency of addressing menstrual hygiene needs for girls and providing basic clothing for boys.
“Many young people aspire to work in quarries or factories. We are working to change that mindset and help them envision a better future,” she said.
Local leaders commended the ministry’s impact. Ronald Mulumba, LC I Chairperson of Kasenge B, described the ministry’s work as transformative.
“They’ve made tremendous efforts to improve the lives of the destitute and uplift the entire community,” he said.
As the Good Samaritan Ministry continues its mission, events like this run serve not only to raise funds, but also to inspire hope and collective action across Mukono.
