Makerere University participated in the OSH Worker's Marathon 2019 held on Sunday, 28th April 2019 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Show grounds, Lugogo.

Organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Marathon is aimed at encouraging adherence to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) policies for workers at the Work place.

This year's Marathon (6kms) on the theme, Recognising a disadvantaged Informal Worker, attracted close to 1,000 participants from 36 companies in Uganda.  Mr. David Mugisa, the Commissioner of Occupational Safety and Health flagged off the runners.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Friends of Workers Uganda (FOWU) informed the participants that the proceeds from the Workers' OSH Marathon 2019 would be used to enhance the working safety conditions of a disadvantaged informal sector worker.

The Makerere University Team Captain, Dr. Eria Hisali was among the first 30 runners who dared the 6kms route and returned to UMA Show Grounds Lugogo within the expected record time.  Dr. Eria Hisali is the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University.

The Assistant Team Captain who is also the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango applauded Makerere University staff for participating  in the marathon and encouraged them to continue with physical activities such as running, aerobics, rope skipping among others for the benefit of their health.

“To the Makerere University staff Marathon team, thank you for participating and for supporting this worthwhile cause.  I encourage you to continue with physical activities for your own good.  I wish you good health. Keep up the spirit and I look forward to your participation in the Workers’ OSH Marathon next year.”

The 2019 Makerere University Staff Marathon team consisted of the following members:  Dr. Eria Hisali, Ms Ritah Namisango, Dr. Sandra Kasoma, Ms Christine Amito, Mr. Kirabo Joseph, Ms Connie Masane, Mr. Okello Isaac, Mr. Besy Wandera,  Mr. Perez Kwetuma, Ms Nabatte Proscovia,  Mr. Ogabe Emmanuel, Ms Namakoye Harriet, Mr. Ekojot Daniel, Ms Lunyolo Petwa, Mr. Owori Hudson and Mr. Nehemiah Adeyia.  

Giving the closing remarks, Mr. Martin Wandera, the Director of Labour, Employment, Occupational Safety and Health from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted that the marathon was one of the activities that preceded the celebrations to mark the International Occupational Safety and Health day.  Mr. Wandera used the same opportunity to remind workers in Uganda to participate in the celebrations scheduled to take place on Monday 29th April 2019 starting at 8:30am at KCCA-UMA Show Grounds.

Article by: Ms. Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office.

Photos by: Mr. Joseph Buwule, Landmark Media Consultancy Limited