The Kilimanjaro climbers.Photo Courtesy;
A team of international philanthropists has completed a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, on a fundraising expedition to support education and community development projects across East Africa.
The climb was organised by the SiGMA Foundation, which has, over the years, turned the Kilimanjaro Challenge into one of its flagship philanthropic initiatives on the continent.
The February 2026 expedition brought together a 20-member delegation of supporters and partners who committed to raising funds for infrastructure projects in underserved communities.
After successfully reaching the 5,895-metre summit, the team travelled to Uganda and Ethiopia to officially inaugurate projects funded through the challenge.
The 2026 climb builds on momentum created in 2025, when the foundation first announced plans for the latest expedition.
At the time, Keith Marshall, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the SiGMA Foundation, reflected on the initiative’s evolution.
“For over 20 years, The Kilimanjaro Challenge has been part of my life, and it’s deeply rewarding to see how this challenge has evolved into a powerful force to serve underprivileged communities through what is now the SiGMA Foundation,” he said during the 2025 announcement of the climb.
The initiative linked endurance fundraising with direct, on-the-ground impact, ensuring contributions translate into visible community outcomes.
Projects Launched in Uganda
In Kaliro District in eastern Uganda, the delegation inaugurated the Rosemarie Rapa Kindergarten in Nawaikoke.
The newly constructed facility comprises three classrooms and a staff room and is expected to serve up to 200 children.
The permanent building replaces temporary structures that previously exposed learners to harsh weather conditions.
In Kasese, western Uganda, the Marie Louise Marshall Kindergarten was also officially opened.
Designed to accommodate approximately 200 young learners, the school provides a safer and more stable environment for early childhood education in the region.
Expanding Impact in Ethiopia
The mission continued in Bonga, Ethiopia, where several community-centred projects were unveiled. Among them was the Adrian Tonna Community Centre, a multi-purpose facility equipped with meeting halls, rental shops and guest accommodation.
The centre is intended to generate income that will help sustain local programmes, including initiatives focused on women’s empowerment.
Education infrastructure formed a major part of the Ethiopia leg of the visit.
The Jake Vella Elementary School in Bonga opened to serve about 200 students aged 10 to 12, while the Antoine Cesareo St Peter and St Paul Kindergarten in Jimma created additional classroom space for around 200 young learners.
To strengthen health and sanitation standards, the foundation also oversaw the installation of a water harvesting system at Wush Wush Kindergarten in Bonga.
The system is expected to improve access to clean water and support better hygiene practices within the school community.
Building a Flagship African Initiative
The 2026 climb builds on more than two decades of the Kilimanjaro Challenge.
In an announcement made ahead of this year’s expedition, the foundation described its ambition to expand the initiative’s reach and impact.
Across Uganda and Ethiopia, more than 1,000 children are expected to benefit directly from improved school facilities and essential services delivered through the 2026 expedition.
While the summit marked a physical achievement, organisers say the enduring success of the challenge lies in the classrooms, community centres and water systems now serving families long after the climbers have descended Africa’s highest peak.
