NCBA bank injects sh1.45b in Makerere Marathon

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The Makerere Marathon 2025 Edition has received a boost from NCBA announcing a sponsorship of sh1.45b.

This was unveiled during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Wednesday between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda.

This year’s event, #Mak Marathon 2025, is slated for August 17, 2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.”

Speaking during the signing held at Makerere University, the NCBA Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, highlighted that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.

“#MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors, giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting an active lifestyle,” Muyobo noted.

Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on March 27, 2025, during the launch of its Fifth Edition to Makerere University Marathon with the aim of attracting a larger audience to participate.

According to the Chairperson of the Marathon, Dr Maggie Kigozi, the move by NCBA is quite noble and affirms the bank’s commitment to not only supporting its customers but also bettering the communities in which they operate.

“This unveiling is a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students,” she explained.

Commending the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life.

“The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students. I want to rally staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.”