Smart Engineering in Motion as Annual Run Draws Massive Crowd
Ecweru Flags Off 4th Annual Engineering Run as Over 500 Turn Up at Kyambogo
By Kayiira Jackson
KAMPALA — More than 500 runners converged at Kyambogo University on Sunday morning for the fourth edition of the Annual Engineering Run, marking the start of Uganda’s celebrations for World Engineering Day.
The event, organized by the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), featured three race categories — 21km, 10km and 5km — and drew participants from across the engineering fraternity and beyond.
This year’s celebrations are held under the theme: “Smart Engineering for Sustainable Development through Digitalization and Innovation.” The run officially kick-started a week of activities that will culminate in a one-day engineering conference on Wednesday at Hotel Africana.
The State Minister for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, who served as the chief runner, praised engineers for their contribution to national development.
“We are pleased to stand with them and encourage them because whatever we intend to achieve as government requires engineers,” Ecweru said. “I am proud of the role they have played in helping government realize its development agenda. This is a day to reflect and appreciate the engineering profession.”
Ronald Namugera, Registrar of the Engineers Registration Board and head of the organizing committee, described this year’s turnout as the biggest since the run’s inception.
“We are celebrating World Engineering Day, a time when engineers come out to showcase their achievements. Engineers run the world — any country that seeks development must invest in engineering,” Namugera noted.
He emphasized the importance of aligning the profession with innovation and digital transformation. “As engineers, we must focus on achieving sustainable development through digitalization and innovation, which is the backbone of this year’s theme,” he added.
Female participation also stood out during this year’s edition. Mazigo Gorret, an engineer at Sandhbolt and one of the participants, lauded the increasing involvement of women in the profession.
“I came for my personal health and also to support ERB. Sandhbolt is among the sponsors, and we are excited to back this cause. I am particularly happy to see many ladies turning up this time,” she said.
In the competitive races, Alfred Kamala from Team Nakasero claimed the 21km title for the third consecutive year. Mugoda James of the Uganda Wildlife Authority won the 10km race, while Alungi Ismael from Running Company triumphed in the 5km category.
Kamala attributed his consistent victories to his passion for running. “Running is my medicine. Whenever I feel unwell, I go for a run. I encourage everyone to embrace exercise for their own benefit,” he said.
The engineering fraternity will now shift focus to Wednesday’s annual conference, where professionals are expected to discuss innovation-driven solutions for sustainable development in Uganda.