Three Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers have emerged victorious with two gold and one silver medal, following the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) run at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga kicked off the 10km, 15km, and 17km runs under the theme “Running for Energy Access.”
Three UPDF troops, ranking private, received gold and silver medals at the SDG run. These are Suzan Among and Stephen Nokrach, who received gold medals, and Robert Etiang, who received a silver medal.
Kadaga praised and thanked Youth Go Green, the chief organizers of the run, Diamond Trust Bank, the National Enterprises Corporation (NEC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Uganda Communications Commission, among others, for their persistent dedication to the cause.
She commended all those who honored the invitation to participate in the run, noting that it shows their love and commitment to the event but not greed for money.
“Many times we are driven by money and profits, but for one to set a time and participate in such events portrays one’s conviction and the inner drive to contribute to society, which is a wonderful gesture. It implies SDG is investing in the lives of their people, their children, and their relatives,” said Kadaga.
Peter Lokeris, the State Minister for Minerals, emphasized in his speech that guests should continue creating awareness about the SDGs by actively involving people from all social positions or professions as part of the 2030 agenda, “Living No One Behind”.
He further thanked the UPDF for always responding positively to the Wanaichi’s cry as a professional people’s army due to the spirit of togetherness they possess.
Col. Deus Tarema the Deputy Chief of Education, Sports, and Culture, said the SDG Run focuses on creating a long-term, distinct relationship with the people by physically keeping fit to avoid the dangers of non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure.
Samuel Matekha, the Diamond Trust Bank Head of Communication and Marketing, applauded UPDF for having been part of the SDG Run and added that such milestone actions by the army depict UPDF as a pro-people army that is prepared to work with the population to ensure peace and stability for prosperity to become evident.
Every year, Youth Go Green and a wide range of partners organise the SDG Run to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The run serves as a symbol of the country’s shared commitment to sustainable development and motivates Ugandans to take action for a better, more sustainable future.