By Ben Sebuguzi
Last Saturday saw thousands of people throng Speke Resort Munyonyo for the successful Kampala Goat Races.
The fun filled event that was registered in 2004, taught us some lessons about humanity.
As you are aware, the goat race proceeds will all go towards charity courtesy of the Ruparelia Group under tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia. But much as it is the best organized and celebrated event of the year that attracts all classes of people from Diplomats, CEO, Corporates and all working class, we need to learn something, one or two about the art of giving that is embedded in the goat’s race.
- Art of helping. Helping people means that there is someone who do care for them and having respect for their needs without selfishness. It is like standing beside a person for encouragement and facing the problems together. The massive turn ups at the goats race means that the public appreciates Ruparelia initiatives of giving back to the community. And through this scientists tell us that is improves people’s moods and boosts self-esteem. That’s why we need to book very early for next year’s goat races.
- Building stronger social connections to friends and community. At the recent goat races, it was like shooting two birds with one stone. People met new friends as a way of bonding. Bonding experience builds trust through cooperation reinforcing social connections through face to face.
- Fighting stress. The goat race was total fun and excitement starting from the dress cord, to nice drinks and eats. I man people won themselves millions of money through fun. There was staking of money on goats. Beer drinking competition and of course the best dressed guests won themselves not only money but others like free accommodation from the event hosts, Munyonyo Speke Resort.
- The goat’s race are good for business: What’s the goal of a business? One answer might be making money by declaring a lot of profits through reducing costs. The goats sponsors like Tusker, Ruparelia group and others made a statement to the public that they are in for people. They are in for Ugandans. Businesses can also make money through helping people because most of the goat’s race fans will definitely support brands that give back to people hence more sales and profits.
5. Better health. If you want to live longer, be a giver. That explains why whites live longer because they divine a lot of satisfaction through giving. There is the way it lowers the rates of depression and puts you in the mood. Scientists say the goat races and the likes of giving back can lower your risk of dying by at least 22%. It is also good for mental health.
It is therefore upon me as the author of this to give special recognition and appreciation to people behind this. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Rajiv Ruparelia for always helping others and moving along with them. I was surprised to see Dr. Sudhir standing for more than 10 hours to make sure that every guest is happy and every sponsor gets value for their money.
God bless my country Uganda.
Ben Ssebuguzi is the Secretary General, Uganda Poor Youth Movement
