Uganda consulate in Mombasa activates Rwenzori marathon promotion

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Mombasa

From the beach to the mountain, the Uganda consulate in Mombasa on Saturday organised the "Tusker Lite Rwenzori" activation run.

Sports Diplomacy on Saturday took centre-stage as the Uganda Consulate-General in Mombasa organised a Rwenzori Marathon activation run on the streets of Mombasa.

Led by Consul-General Amb. Paul Mukumbya, as the event earlier today (June 28) is part of the ongoing campaign by Uganda’s Missions abroad to rally international runners for the marathon and increase tourism numbers to Kasese District.

The events were organised under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Rwenzori Marathon Management partnership to endorse the Annual Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, scheduled for August 23, 2025.

A release from MoFA states that this campaign is intended to position Uganda and promote her internationally as a global sports tourism destination.

The Mombasa activation run was attended by over 500 runners from different parts of Kenya.

Presiding over the ceremonies, Kenneth Sammy Muigai Ambani, Mombasa county sports minister, encouraged the citizens of Mombasa and its neighbouring counties to join the Rwenzori marathon annually with a view to enjoying and promoting the spirit of East Africa “from the Beach to the mountain.”

In attendance were the Head of Regional Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Richard Kabonero and Mohammed Osman, the Mombasa county executive committee member, department of tourism, culture and trade.

The event, which kicked off at the Bamburi Fitness gym, was sponsored by different entities including:  Kenya Fitness Challenge, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club, Uganda Airlines, Wes Lux, Premier Hospital, Aqelle waters and Fit 4 Life.

Two winners of the 10km run also received Uganda Airlines Return air-tickets to Entebbe courtesy of Uganda Airlines.

Mukumbya called upon all residents of Mombasa and its neighbouring counties to join and participate in the run. Describing Kampala as “the nightlife Capital of East Africa”, he called on the runners to include it in their itinerary on their way back from the Rwenzoris.

“Places like Mombasa are a low-hanging fruit for marketing Uganda tourism, given the convenience of location, time and expense. Our target is ultimately to attract 5,000 participants from Kenya alone,” – Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Consul-General.

Chair of the Rwenzori Marathon Committee, Mr Amos Wekesa, called upon the Mombasa community to join the event with a view to promoting tourism in the region.

The marathon provided opportunities to showcase the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake George and the Equator, all of which are phenomenal physical attractions in Uganda and a major driver of tourism.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Kabonero said that under the 10-fold growth strategy, tourism promotion is one of the priorities.

Revealing that Uganda’s Missions abroad are being encouraged to promote the Marathon, he added that   Sports is a major driver of tourism numbers.

“Sports are not just a form of entertainment but a tool that drives tourism. Foreign visitors don’t just attend marathons as spectators, they participate in sports, buy equipment, and contribute to local economies through increased spending on accommodations, transportation, food, shopping and entertainment,” Kabonero added.