Lira, Uganda | NRM Youth League Chairperson for Lira City, Brian Yeko Ongora, has launched a youth-led charity initiative dubbed “Team 5K”, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups across Northern Uganda.
The initiative, launched at Ngetta Baby’s Home, mobilizes youth to contribute UGX 5,000 each month.
With a target of 100 active members, Team 5K expects to raise UGX 500,000 monthly to assist orphans, the sick, prisoners, and other marginalized individuals.
Ongora said the drive is about building a culture of giving and proving that meaningful impact does not require wealth or status.
He noted that the team’s first outreach focused on Ngetta Baby’s Home, where they donated milk, sugar, bread, diapers, and detergents to support 45 abandoned babies under the age of one.
He also used the platform to speak on youth issues including unemployment, gender-based violence, poor mental health, and lack of vocational skills.
He called for sanitary pad distribution to keep girls in school and announced plans to form health clubs to educate young people on nutrition and reproductive health.
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole, who officiated the launch, commended Ongora for turning words into action.
He said youth challenges must be addressed by the youth themselves and accepted to serve as Team 5K’s patron.
Sister Demmy Frances, the administrator of Ngetta Baby’s Home, described the donation as timely.
She said the home is struggling following the withdrawal of donor support and now relies solely on community goodwill.
She raised concerns about lack of a perimeter fence, unpaid utility bills, and feeding costs. She also appealed to Lira City Council for permission to rent out unused structures for income, but Mayor Sam Atul instead advised the home to pursue agriculture for sustainability.
Team 5K plans to extend its next outreach to Adina Foundation in August.