Rwenzori Marathon 5th edition awakens Uganda's wild spirit

KASESE - Kasese has done more than host a marathon this Saturday, as running turned into a celebration of tourism, business, culture and Uganda’s unmistakable social spirit.

The fifth edition of this year's Rwenzori Marathon brought the foothills of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains alive as runners from more than 40 countries converged in Kasese Municipality for an internationally certified race designed as much to showcase Uganda as it is to test athletic endurance.

Juliana Kaggwa, the CEO Uganda Tourism Board, was also in attendance at the Marathon. (All Photos by Julius Luyimbazi)

The event combined 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races, with runners starting from different points and converging at a common finish line in Kasese town. Along the routes, sport met scenery, communities and the rich tourism potential of western Uganda.

The marathon was officiated by Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, Uganda’s second deputy prime minister; Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports; and Suzan Nakawuki, Minister of State for Tourism, who attended with her husband, Alintuma Nsambu, Uganda’s Ambassador to Algeria.

Doreen Katusiime (right), the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, racing 5km.

Other senior officials included Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board; Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority; Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Anne Katusiime, Uganda's High Commissioner in Arusha (Tanzania) alongside most of the leaders from the Rwenzori region.

Beyond the VIP stands and finish lines, the real story was unfolding across Kasese’s hotels, restaurants, shops, transport businesses and entertainment spots.

With participants and visitors arriving from more than 40 countries, accommodation facilities in the Rwenzori region were pushed to full capacity.

Amos Wekesa, the team leader for the Rwenzori Marathon, cheering runners to the finish line.

The influx demonstrated how the well-positioned sporting event has become a powerful tourism product, putting money directly into local businesses while promoting Uganda to an international audience.

For visitors, the marathon offered more than kilometres to conquer. It provided an invitation to experience a part of Uganda celebrated for its mountains, wildlife, culture and warm hospitality.

For the country, it offered another opportunity to project itself as a peaceful and welcoming destination.

And when the running stopped, Kasese simply changed gears.

The influx demonstrated how the well-positioned sporting event has become a powerful tourism product, putting money directly into local businesses while promoting Uganda to an international audience.

True to Uganda’s social tradition, the finish line is always another mark. Music, food, laughter and nightlife are always part of the game as the marathon participants, residents and visitors celebrate together.

Bars fill, glasses clink, and the party stretches deep into the night; the kind of spontaneous social energy that turns an event into a memory.

The Rwenzori Marathon has become more than an annual race. It is a business opportunity, a tourism campaign, a sporting platform and a social festival rolled into one.

True to Uganda’s social tradition, the finish line is always another mark. Music, food, laughter and nightlife are always part of the game as the marathon participants, residents and visitors celebrate together.

In Kasese, the message remains unmistakable: come for the run, stay for the mountains and national parks, spend in the community, and leave with a true taste of Uganda.

Below is a picture highlight of the event that unfolded in Kasese District; all photos by Julius Luwemba and Michael Nsubuga;