By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City — Organisers of the Teso Run 2026 have intensified mobilisation efforts ahead of the October 16 event, targeting increased participation as the initiative seeks to bring together communities across Teso around the welfare and future of vulnerable children and young people.

The Teso Run was officially launched at Soroti Hotel during a fundraising luncheon held alongside celebrations marking the fourth coronation anniversary of Emorimor Papa Iteso Paul Sande Emolot Etomelieng.

Organised through the Iteso Cultural Union Development Foundation (ICUDEF) under the theme “Run for the Child,” the event is intended to go beyond sport by promoting unity, cultural pride, health, environmental conservation and skills development.

Organisers said approximately 700 people participated in last year’s inaugural Teso Run, and they are now working to significantly increase participation in 2026.

The mobilisation drive has seen cultural leaders, government officials, businesses, schools, religious institutions and other stakeholders called upon to purchase running kits and encourage members of their communities to participate.

The official Teso Run kit is being sold at Shs30,000, with organisers encouraging workplaces, schools, churches, businesses and other institutions to become kit-selling points.

During the launch, organisers reported raising more than Shs1 million in cash from kit sales, alongside additional pledges exceeding Shs1 million.

The Chairperson of the Iteso Cultural Union Council, Toto Nocienta Emechu, urged stakeholders to support the initiative through financial contributions, kit purchases and mobilisation.

She said the Teso Run provides an opportunity to unite communities while supporting interventions aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable children and young people.

Soroti City Mayor Francis Esudu purchased 10 kits and pledged continued support, while Soroti City East Division Mayor Abdul Latif also purchased kits.

Crane High School pledged to purchase 10 kits, while Soroti University contributed Shs500,000 and promised further support.

Other institutions, religious leaders and political leaders have also made contributions and committed to mobilising additional support through their networks.

Private-sector players have also joined the mobilisation drive. Stephen Odele, Director at Eastward and Eastman Coffee, said his organisation views the Teso Run as part of a broader effort to promote socio-economic transformation through agriculture, tourism, sports and culture.

Odele encouraged businesses and communities to use the event to showcase Teso's cultural heritage and tourism potential while strengthening partnerships that can contribute to regional development.

The Teso Run will also focus attention on challenges affecting young people. Omoding Ewupa raised concern over increasing cases of violence involving young people, particularly those below 30 years, and called for stronger community and institutional interventions to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation and abuse.

Ewupa pledged Shs100,000 towards the initiative.

Meanwhile, health-sector partners linked to the Uganda AIDS Commission highlighted the importance of HIV prevention and testing, as well as addressing teenage pregnancies and other health challenges affecting adolescents and young adults.

Organisers say the 2026 Teso Run is expected to serve as a platform for promoting unity among the Iteso both at home and abroad while raising resources for initiatives aimed at creating a better future for the child of Teso.

With the October 16 event approaching, organisers are calling on individuals and institutions across the region to join the mobilisation campaign, purchase running kits and encourage wider participation.