Inaugural Matooke City to City Marathon a resounding success
Running clubs are emerging across the country, encouraging members to stay fit and prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Runners were in jovia mood after partivipating in the Matooke City to City Marathon at the Lake Victoria School. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
A wave of health consciousness has swept through Uganda, making it almost impossible to miss people jogging or briskly walking in several cities at dawn, sunrise, and sunset.
Running clubs are emerging across the country, encouraging members to stay fit and prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
The inaugural Matooke City to City Independence Marathon, held from Kampala to Entebbe on Independence Day under the theme “Run for your life,” promoted the same message.
Hundreds of runners took part in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races on Friday, with a corporate relay adding to the excitement.
Some of the runners in action during the Matooke City to City Marathon in Entebbe October 9, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Twenty corporate teams participated, each with four runners completing 10.5 km segments. The relay began at the Independence Monument in Kampala, with handoffs at Kibuye-Seguku, Voice Mall in Bwebajja, and Kitala-Abayita Ababiri. The race concluded at Lake Victoria Primary School in Entebbe.
Team Deloitte Tax, consisting of Garton Ivan Asinguza, Ivan Kalachi, Elvis Lukeera, and Olivia Nambuuya, won the corporate challenge.
The Fibred Elite Runners, including Aisha Cherotich, Fred Oija, Joel Oringa, and Peter Masaba, led the elite category. They finished ahead of Team Nakasero (Joseph Kyeswa, Ronald Amega, Linda Mirembe, Ronald Namugera) and Team Climate Justice Run (Jordan Akankwatsa, Peter Kanya, Maureen Chelimo, Michael Lugonja).
Aaron Ayebale and Beatrice Makedi excelled in the 42km race, each winning air tickets to Uganda Airlines destinations. Team Matooke president Daniel Ligyalingi announced that both will receive additional support to participate in an international marathon of their choice.
Eric Obema and Julius Kabagambe placed second and third in the 42km race. Ahmed Mutaawe, Collins Cherotich, and Alfred Uyikuru led the 21km half marathon, while Evas Nasasira, Elizabeth Dubinah, and Ronah Kemigisa led the women's category. In the 10km race around Entebbe, Ronald Kanyike, Otwine Olweny, Tim Omalla, Stella Kamakune, Esther Nelly, and Edith Akello recorded the fastest times.
Newton Mbaziira, Team Matooke Road captain, joined by Ligyalingi and former presidents Martin Makumbi and Fred Lutaaya, thanked the runners for embracing running as a tool to combat non-communicable diseases. He also thanked all participating clubs and partners for their support.
Team Deloitte Tax celebrate with the corporate relay trophy after the Matooke City to City Marathon in Entebbe. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“We aim to promote recreational running. We are passionate individuals who love what we do. Our dream is to inspire the next generation of runners and encourage you to share this message with others as we continue to grow our running community,” Mbaziira stated.
The event was supported by Pride Bank, Uganda Tourism Board, Mighty Rides, Uganda Airlines, Case Medical, KCCA, Fireplace, Carreffour, Coca Cola, Kahiv, and Uganda Engineers Registration Board and BIRDC’s Tooke.