Hundreds participate in Jinja City Marathon

Hundreds of Jinja residents, including KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, participated in the 2025 Jinja City Marathon to raise funds for the purchase of mama kits and baby incubators.

The event featured four race categories—2km, 5km, 10km, and 21km—and attracted enthusiastic runners from all walks of life. Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Osman Ahmed Noor, served as the chief runner and officially flagged off the marathon at Jinja Rugby Grounds on Saturday.

Organised by the Fundamental Initiative for Sustainable Transformation (FIST-Uganda), the first edition of the Jinja City Marathon aims to support Health Centre IVs in Jinja District—including Buwenge, Bugembe, Budondo, Walukuba, and Mpumudde—by donating baby humidicribs and mama kits.

Runners warming up before participating in the Jinja City Marathon on Saturday. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Prior to the race, participants—including corporate teams—engaged in energetic warm-up sessions accompanied by loud, upbeat music.

Each race catered to different participants: 21km for intermediate runners, 10km for fitness enthusiasts and amateur runners,5km for families and community members and  2km for persons with disabilities, promoting inclusivity.

The 21km route took runners through key city landmarks, including Nile Crescent, Gaddafi Roundabout, Rubaga, Kimaka Road, Ambercourt, the Old and New Nile bridges, Bukaya, and the Source of the Nile Hotel, before returning to the rugby grounds.

In the 21km category, Nathan Omusugu emerged the winner, followed by Abdallah Igulu and Charles Ochieng in second and third place, respectively. Osman Ahmed Noor presented Omusugu with the winner’s trophy.

Other winners included 10km: Wilbroad Oketch (1st), Zayida Atuma (2nd), Nelson Muwenema (3rd), 5km: Patrick Mukose (1st), Lifaz Awupolo (2nd), Faisal Mutimbwa (3rd) and 2km (PWD category): Ali Balikowa (1st), Sula Baluku Mpagi (2nd), Imira Mapiya (3rd)

Speaking at the event, KCCA’s Benon Kigenyi commended the initiative, noting that over 35 KCCA participants took part. He pledged continued support for causes aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.

Marathon organizing committee chairperson Nelson Balyejjusa said the event also sought to promote tourism by showcasing the scenic beauty of Jinja and the Busoga region.

He thanked the sponsors, including One-World Health, Grace Laboratories, Excell Construction, Kyabirwa Surgical Centre, Jinja Scouts, Uganda Red Cross, Baba TV, Orogu Tours and Travel, Nile International Hospital, Jibu, KCCA, Horizon International School, and Signature Resort Hotel.

Winners across all categories received medals and prizes, while sponsors were awarded certificates of appreciation.