Hundreds run to raise funds for children of fallen wildlife rangers

KAMPALA - A thin veil of drizzle hung over Kampala on the morning of March 1, 2026, as the air carried a stubborn chill.

Yet neither the cold nor the grey skies could restrain the steady stream of determined footsteps heading toward Kitante Primary School playground.

By 6:30am, what had begun as scattered silhouettes walking through the mist had swelled into a crowd of colour, as hundreds of runners clad in bright kits, stretching, laughing, tightening shoelaces, and greeting familiar faces.

This was not just another race. It was the Wildlife half-marathon, organised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with the purpose of raising funds for the children of fallen rangers, men and women who had paid the ultimate price protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

The morning energy pulsed gently at first, then rose steadily as renowned kickboxer Moses Golola stepped forward to lead the warm-up.

His commanding voice cut through the damp air, drawing laughter and cheers as bodies loosened and spirits lifted.

What began as stretches and light jogs quickly turned into synchronised movement of a community united not just by sport, but by solidarity.

Flagged off by Tom Butime, the minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, the first wave of 21-kilometre runners surged forward, their shoes splashing lightly against the wet tarmac as they sped along Yusuf Lule road.

They curved onto Jinja road, pushing towards Naalya, weaving through Kiwatule and Ntinda, before looping back through Old Kira Road. Each kilometre was a quiet tribute to lives lost in the line of duty.

The 10-kilometre runners followed a different rhythm but carried the same purpose. From Yusuf Lule road, they branched off toward Archer road, wound through Lugogo and Malcolm X Avenue, and returned to the starting point.

Yet it was the five-kilometre category that drew the largest crowd: families, conservationists, influencers, seasoned runners, and first-timers. Among them was tourism state minister Martin Mugarra, running alongside UWA executive director Dr James Musinguzi and board members led by their chairperson Prof. James Kalema. They ran not as officials, but as participants in a shared cause.

Beyond the distances and dignitaries, the day unfolded as something warmer than competition. There were bursts of laughter. Friends paused mid-stride for selfies.

Strangers exchanged encouragement. Old acquaintances reunited unexpectedly near water stations. Children darted between adults, their excitement infectious.

The playground, once soaked in morning stillness, transformed into a carnival of colour and compassion, with singer Spice Diana welcoming back all runners with her mega beats of 'Siri Regular.'

By Friday evening, every single running kit had sold out, a silent testament to the community’s commitment. And as the final runners crossed the finish line, some breathless, some triumphant, one truth lingered heavier than the morning mist: This was more than a marathon.

It was a collective heartbeat pounding in honour of fallen guardians of the wild, and in hope for the children they left behind.

Dr James Musinguzi (2nd left) taking part in the 5 kilometre race during the Sunday marathon in Kampala. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

Winners

The Sunday wildlife half marathon was climaxed with awarding winners in the three running categories and recognising different individuals and entities that have supported this year's endeavour of raising money to pay school fees for the children of fallen rangers.

Mark Biryomumeisho won the men's 21km race, followed by Ezekiel Kipsisei in the second position, Silas Boch in the third position, followed by Abraham Kiplimo in the fourth position, and Geofrey Kasuro in the fifth position.

Doreen Chesang triumphed in the women's 21km marathon, followed by Annet Chelangat Chemengich, and Annet Chesang took the third position. Viola Chemos came fourth, and Aisha Cherotich came in fifth position.

Halima Nakaayi won the women's 10km race, followed by Sarah Chebet in second position and Angeline Chelimu. In the men's 10km category, Kevin Kibaki took the day, followed by Calvin Chelimo in second position and Rogers Chebet in third place.

All the top five runners in the 21km race were given cash prizes, whereas the top three runners in the 10km race were considered for the cash prizes. The Sunday marathon preceded the Wildlife day celebrations to held on March 3, in Entebbe municipality.

Fallen Rangers

Close to 40 rangers are reported to have died in the line of duty, across Uganda's undulating landscapes and forested terrains.

Some rangers are injured and killed by the wildlife, especially buffaloes, warthogs, tsetse flies, hippos and snakes, whereas others have in the past been killed by poachers and some hostile community members staying around the protected areas with dubious motives.

Supporting families of fallen rangers

Every year since 2020, UWA took a deliberate initiative to educate the children of fallen rangers. Whereas some funds were put aside towards this endeavor, the wildlife authority beefed up the campaign with annual marathons where more money is fundraised towards the same cause.

"UWA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the well-being of families of fallen heroes, especially in terms of scholarship support," Musinguzi assured.

Over 95 children are benefitting from the UWA education scheme, which takes learners up to the university graduation level. "We firmly believe that investing in their education not only honours the legacy of their parents, but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society in the future," the UWA boss added.

Ranger duties

Rangers are mandated to, among others, conduct patrols and operations as well as to protect wildlife resources in and around the protected areas.

They are also tasked to detect and proactively prevent wildlife crimes as well as arrest, search and support prosecution of suspects involved in illegal wildlife activities.

They are also mandated to collect and record field data for management decision-making as well as supporting the rescue, capture and translocation of wildlife.