NRM Treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo to Grace NIDDA Education Marathon in Mbale

MBALE — Momentum is building ahead of the NIDDA Education Marathon 2026, with National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo confirming her attendance as Guest of Honour.

Nekesa Oundo confirmed her participation through a poster released ahead of the charity event, declaring, “I WILL BE THERE,” as organisers continue mobilising participants and supporters for the marathon.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 10:00am at Nakaloke Community Grounds in Mbale City under the theme “Educate a Child, Empower a Nation.”

The marathon is organised by the Noble Islamic Dawa & Development Association (NIDDA) Limited as part of efforts to address early marriages and school dropouts affecting children and young people across 14 districts in the Bugisu and Bukedi sub-regions.

Hon. Amb. Nekesa Oundo becomes the latest high-profile leader to confirm participation in the event, following the earlier announcement of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda as Chief Guest.

According to the organisers, the initiative is built around the message “All Religions, One Cause,” with Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths expected to participate in support of education.

NIDDA says the programme is intended to bring communities together around the shared objective of keeping vulnerable children in school and raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of early marriages.

Thousands of participants are expected to attend, including Members of Parliament from Bugisu, district chairpersons, Resident District Commissioners, cultural leaders, religious leaders and development partners.

Funds raised through the marathon will support interventions aimed at helping vulnerable children remain in school while also supporting community sensitisation campaigns against early marriages and school dropouts.

The organisers have urged members of the public, institutions and development partners to participate in the charity run and contribute towards the education of vulnerable children.

With the event bringing together leaders and communities across religious, political and cultural lines, NIDDA says the marathon is intended to demonstrate that education remains a shared responsibility regardless of religious or social background.

The NIDDA Education Marathon 2026 will take place on September 26 at Nakaloke Community Grounds in Mbale City, under the slogan:

“14 Districts | One Goal | Brighter Future.”