Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 launched, roadmap unveiled

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In a renewed effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the Uganda AIDS Commission, in partnership with Africa Village Journeys, has launched the Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026.

The launch, held under the theme "Run for Hope. Act for Life”, took place at Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel on February 24, 2026.

The UAC director general, Dr Nelson Musoba, said the launch of the Uganda AIDS Marathon forms part of the national build-up to World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on December 1. The marathon is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

According to Dr Musoba, the marathon will increase national visibility for HIV prevention messages, particularly among young people and communities at higher risk. It also aims to promote healthy lifestyles and responsible behaviour as part of HIV prevention.

Director General Uganda AIDS Commission, Dr Nelson Musoba, addressing stakeholders during the launch of Uganda AIDS Marathon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Munyonyo. (Photo by David Lukiiza)

The event further seeks to strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for community-based HIV programmes, he said.

“This event is not only about running but also about raising awareness, inspiring behaviour change, strengthening community engagement, and mobilising resources to support HIV prevention and care services,” he said.

Dr Nelson described a marathon as a symbol of endurance, discipline, teamwork and commitment, values that reflect what is required to defeat HIV.

He noted that the initiative provides a strong platform to remind the public that the HIV response is not solely the responsibility of the health sector but of every institution, community and individual Ugandan.

The marathon will also offer an opportunity to link communities to HIV services, including counselling and testing, and to reinforce the message that knowing one’s HIV status is an act of responsibility and self-care.

Young people ambassadors of change

Dr Musoba said young people are at the heart of this campaign. He encouraged them not only to participate as runners but also to serve as ambassadors of change by promoting HIV prevention, testing and responsible decision-making among their peers.

New HIV infections among young people are rising at an alarming rate. In 2024, Uganda recorded 37,000 new HIV infections. Of these, young people aged 5 to 24 accounted for 14,000, representing 45 per cent. Of that figure, adolescent girls contributed 11,000 infections, or 78 per cent, compared to 3,000 among their male counterparts, representing 20 per cent. Four out of five young people infected are girls and young women.

“Let us protect our young generation because it is the future of the country and the world at large,” he said.

Roadmap of Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026

Village Journeys Africa chief executive director Maery Mungati said the marathon will take place in 10 cities across the country. Last year’s event was held in four cities, Mbale, Gulu, Masaka and Mbarara. “We are not going to confine ourselves to just Kampala. We are going to traverse the whole country. When we participate in this marathon together, we reconnect communities,” Mungati said.

Maery Mungati, CEO Village Journeys Africa, addressing stakeholders during the HIV Marathon launch on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Munyonyo. (Photo by David Lukiiza)

She added that the annual marathon will be held every last Sunday before World AIDS Day, which is observed on December 1, to raise awareness, remember those lost and support people living with HIV and AIDS.

At the centre of the initiative is the torch of hope, which will be lit across the ten cities of Jinja, Mbale, Lira, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Fort Portal and Mbarara before culminating in Kampala on November 29, 2026.

Dr Musoba said the cities were selected due to their high HIV prevalence rates. According to the 2025 National HIV Estimates Report, Fort Portal City leads with a prevalence of 14.3 per cent, followed by Soroti at 11.6 per cent, Mbarara at 9.9 per cent, Gulu at 9.6 per cent, Masaka at 9.6 per cent, Lira at 9.1 per cent, Hoima at 7.7 per cent, Jinja at 6.5 per cent, Mbale at 4.9 per cent and Arua at 4.0 per cent.

HIV burden

In 2024 alone, 37,000 new infections were recorded nationwide. Overall, HIV prevalence has slightly declined from 5.1 per cent in 2023 to 4.9 per cent this year. Annual AIDS-related deaths have also dropped significantly, from 54,000 in 2010 to 20,000 in 2024.

Approximately 1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with about 1.3 million currently on antiretroviral therapy.