Won Nyaci Me Lango, HRH Dr Eng Michael Odongo Okune, has called on the people of Lango to turn up in large numbers for the Won Nyaci Run 2026, aimed at raising funds to support people with disabilities with mobility devices.
Odongo Okune made the call on Saturday at his residence in Senior Quarters in Lira City during the launch of the run, which is scheduled for October 24, 2026, at Old Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City under the theme “Our Culture, Our Health, Our Future.”
He commended the organising committee for volunteering to organise the run, saying the initiative demonstrated their love for Lango and would help bring hope to people living with disabilities.
Odongo Okune urged the public to purchase the running kits at Shs30,000, comprising a vest and cap, and participate in the event.
He said the run would also serve as a tool for uniting the Lango community while promoting awareness about disability and health.
Odongo Okune attributed the increasing number of people living with disabilities in the region to factors including past conflicts, domestic violence and road accidents.
He called on police to intensify road safety sensitisation, saying some road users lack knowledge of traffic rules.
He also urged construction and factory workers to always use protective gear to prevent workplace injuries.
Ben Ocan, director of Community Focus International (CFI), one of the partners supporting the run, said the organisation was working to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and their communities.
Ocan said CFI had donated close to 2,000 wheelchairs and more than 6,000 reading glasses across Lango.
He urged families not to hide people living with disabilities, saying CFI and its partners have links to well-wishers who can provide support.
Ocan said the Won Nyaci Run would not be merely a sporting event but also a platform for community education and awareness.
Easy Bash Machar, speaker of Oyam District Council and chairman and patron of the organising committee, said mobilisation for the run had started and the response from communities was encouraging.
He said funds raised would be used to procure mobility devices to ease movement for people with disabilities.
Machar also said the organisers had partnered with the Uganda AIDS Commission and TASO to sensitise communities, particularly young people, about HIV prevention.
May Mungati, representing Uganda AIDS Commission and TASO, said the organisations would use the event to promote HIV prevention awareness and work towards an AIDS-free Uganda.