USEF Charity Run Raises Support for Girls’ Education in Terego

The Uriama Seff Empowerment Foundation (USEF), in partnership with Peace for Women-West Nile and other stakeholders, has held the third edition of its annual charity run at Wandi Primary School in Terego District to raise funds for girls’ education.

The event featured 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, health services, aerobics and community sensitisation activities focused on education, gender-based violence and community wellbeing.

According to USEF Executive Director Ben Anguma, the initiative started in 2024 after the organisation identified low access to secondary education among girls in Terego. The first two editions supported 28 vulnerable girls to access secondary education.

Anguma said USEF is targeting Shs18 million this year, with the aim of increasing the number of beneficiaries to 42 girls.

Peace for Women-West Nile Executive Director Abaru Peace said gender-based violence contributes to school dropout, teenage pregnancy and early marriage. She pledged to work with communities to address these challenges and encourage families to keep girls in school.

Terego District officials also supported the initiative, calling for greater parental support, prevention of early marriage and changes in community attitudes towards girls’ education. They also expressed concern over boys dropping out of school and becoming involved in drug abuse.

The event attracted local leaders, teachers, health workers, civil society organisations, residents and supporters from across the region. The district health team provided medical and first-aid services, while participants took part in aerobics and other physical activities.

USEF said poverty and cultural attitudes that favour educating boys continue to prevent some girls from staying in school. Communications Secretary for USEF Ringua Sabino said the foundation works with students, young people and community leaders to promote education.

Beneficiaries also participated in the run with One beneficiary saying that USEF’s support had enabled her to remain in school and pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon.

Queen Hadijja Juma, who participated in the run, said her decision was inspired by her own experience with education sponsorship. She said the support she once received showed her the importance of helping vulnerable girls and called on people in West Nile and abroad to contribute to the cause.

Participant Innocent Amadrile also said that taking part in the run gave him an opportunity to contribute to the education and protection of girls, urging the community to support similar initiatives.

The charity run has grown over the years beyond a sporting event into a platform for fundraising, community mobilisation and advocacy for girls’ education. The foundation is also working on a sustainability model to help beneficiary families improve their incomes and eventually support other vulnerable families.

With a target of Shs18 million, organisers hope to sustain existing beneficiaries and expand support to more girls.

The third Edition of the USEF Charity run brought together sport, fundraising, health awareness and advocacy under one cause — keeping the girl child in school and for Running for the Girl Child.

𝐔𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟒𝟐 𝐕𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭


The Uriama Seff Empowerment Foundation (USEFF) is preparing for this year’s Charity Run scheduled for August 22 at Wandi Primary School grounds in Katrini Sub-county, Terego District, with the aim of raising funds to keep vulnerable girls in school.


The idea behind the charity run started in 2023 after individuals now working at USEFF came across the story of a 13-year-old girl who had dropped out of school and was selling charcoal at Ocodri Market to raise money for scholastic materials. The girl had lost both parents and was living with her grandmother.


After supporting the girl to return to school, USEFF decided to look deeper into the challenges facing children in the community. A study carried out in government-aided secondary schools in Terego District showed that only seven percent of girls were joining secondary school compared to 13 percent of boys.


This pushed the foundation to start the charity run as a way of mobilising support for vulnerable girls. Through the first and second editions, USEFF has supported 28 girls who are currently studying at Ariape Secondary School.


This year’s run aims to keep the 28 girls in school and add another 14, bringing the total number of supported girls to 42. The foundation estimates it needs Shs18 million to support the girls for a full year.


Ringua Sabino the acting Communications person on the organizing committee for the Charity run said the charity run is not only about raising money but also creating awareness about teenage pregnancy, school dropout, and the importance of keeping children in school.


“Strong mothers raise strong boys and girls who can build a responsible nation. We need to empower these children because they are the future of our communities,” Bosco said.


USEFF raises funds through the sale of charity running kits, with each kit bought contributing towards supporting the education of vulnerable girls. The kits are available through different points in the community, including Peace for Women a community based organization and also official partner for this year's edition.


The foundation selects beneficiaries through a careful process where headteachers identify vulnerable girls, with recommendations endorsed by local leaders.
The shortlisted girls are then visited at home and interviewed with support from education and community development officials to ensure those selected truly need the support.


The programme mainly supports vulnerable and talented girls transitioning from primary to secondary school, with the long-term goal of helping them complete O-Level education and possibly continue to A-Level in the future.


Besides supporting the girls directly, USEFF is also helping families through cocoa plantation projects so that parents can have a source of income to support their children in the long run.


Ahead of the charity run, the foundation has organised community meetings in Wandi, Olua, and Aramua in Katrini Sub-county to sensitise residents about school dropout, teenage pregnancy, and the need to support children’s education.


The event has received support from local leaders and security authorities, with preparations already underway. USEFF says about 20 percent of previous participants have been local leaders showing their commitment to the cause.


The foundation, which started operating in Arua City and is now also active in Terego District, says the charity run has helped highlight challenges affecting children, including early pregnancies, gender-based violence, and family conflicts.


USEFF’s target is to see more girls complete school, with a goal of increasing the number of girls completing education in Terego District to 80 percent by 2030.

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Dr. Kumakech Hailed for Selfless Leadership and Agricultural Transformation


Dr. Kumakech has been widely commended for his unwavering selflessness, resilience, commitment, and dedication to serving communities through transformative agricultural initiatives.


His leadership has inspired sustainable development by promoting agriculture as a pathway to improved livelihoods, food security, and economic empowerment. Through his vision and tireless efforts, many communities continue to benefit from practical solutions that create lasting positive change.


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Richard Todwong: The Quiet Strategist Steering the NRM's Political Resurgence
By Staff Writer


In Uganda's fast-changing political landscape, where public attention is often captured by outspoken politicians, one leader has quietly built his reputation through organisation, discipline, and strategic leadership.


That leader is Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Widely respected as one of the ruling party's most effective political organisers, Todwong has played a pivotal role in rebuilding the NRM's grassroots structures, strengthening internal cohesion, and positioning the party for sustained electoral success.


His leadership style marked by humility, accessibility, and consensus-building—has earned him recognition both within the party and across Uganda's political spectrum.


Born in Northern Uganda in 1973, Todwong's early life was shaped by political instability that interrupted his education and tested his family's resilience. Despite these challenges, he pursued higher education at Makerere University, graduating in Economics and Political Science before later obtaining a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.


His political career has been rooted in public service and institution-building. After a brief stint at the Uganda Revenue Authority, he joined national constitutional reform efforts, contributing to key debates on governance and Uganda's democratic evolution.


Todwong entered elective politics in 2011 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Nwoya County. He later served as Minister for Political Mobilisation before rising to become Secretary General of the NRM, where he has focused on strengthening party structures from the village level to the national leadership.


Political observers credit him with leading one of the party's most comprehensive grassroots mobilisation programmes ahead of the 2026 General Election. The initiative revitalised local party structures, empowered cadres, and reinforced ideological mobilisation, helping restore confidence within the Movement.


Beyond domestic politics, Todwong has strengthened relations between the NRM and liberation movements across Africa, promoting Pan-African cooperation and ideological partnerships.


He has also been instrumental in fostering political dialogue through the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), encouraging constructive engagement among political actors.


Despite holding one of the country's most influential political offices, Todwong remains known for his modesty and commitment to service. Colleagues describe him as a patient listener, a skilled consensus-builder, and a leader who believes strong institutions not personalities are the foundation of lasting political success.


As Uganda's political landscape continues to evolve, Richard Todwong's legacy is increasingly defined not by political theatrics, but by disciplined organisation, grassroots mobilisation, and steadfast commitment to building enduring institutions.

Hon. Mugerwa Abdallah "Hamtono" Unveils Vision for a Stronger East African Community


Independent candidate Hon. Mugerwa Abdallah "Hamtono" has launched a people-centered campaign for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), presenting a vision focused on regional integration, economic transformation, youth empowerment, peace, and stronger legislative cooperation across the East African Community (EAC).
Campaigning under the theme "Driving Integration, Social and Economic Transformation," Hon. Mugerwa says his bid is inspired by the need to make the East African Community more responsive to the aspirations of its citizens.


Speaking during his campaign engagements, the aspiring EALA legislator emphasized that East African integration must extend beyond political declarations and translate into tangible benefits for ordinary people through expanded trade, job creation, quality infrastructure, and the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.


"The future of East Africa depends on visionary leadership that prioritizes unity, innovation, economic growth, and inclusive development. Our people deserve a regional bloc that delivers opportunities for every citizen," he said.


Championing Regional Prosperity
Hon. Mugerwa has pledged to advocate for legislation that strengthens regional trade, supports cross-border investments, improves infrastructure connectivity, and eliminates barriers that continue to hinder business within the East African Community.


He argues that harmonized policies among member states will stimulate industrialization, enhance competitiveness, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people who make up the majority of East Africa's population.


Youth and Innovation at the Centre
Recognizing the demographic advantage of East Africa, the candidate has committed to promoting policies that invest in youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, skills development, and access to affordable financing for small and medium enterprises.


According to his campaign, empowering young people will be essential in accelerating regional economic transformation and reducing unemployment.


Peace, Security and Good Governance
Hon. Mugerwa also identifies regional peace and security as prerequisites for sustainable development. He says he will support initiatives that strengthen cooperation among partner states in combating cross-border crime, promoting political stability, and safeguarding democratic institutions.


He further pledges to advocate for transparent governance, accountability, and citizen participation in the implementation of regional policies.


An Independent Voice for East Africa
Running as an independent candidate, Hon. Mugerwa says his leadership will be guided by the interests of East African citizens rather than partisan politics. He promises to serve as a bridge between national legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly, ensuring that regional decisions reflect the priorities of the people.


His campaign message calls for stronger collaboration among EAC member states in building a prosperous, peaceful, and economically integrated region capable of competing on the global stage.


As campaigns for the East African Legislative Assembly gather momentum, Hon. Mugerwa Abdallah "Hamtono" is positioning himself as a candidate committed to visionary leadership, practical regional solutions, and a united East Africa driven by shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Together we connect ideas, empower communities, and inspire transformation across the continent. The future is African, and the future is now. 🚀🔥

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