Kasese MP assures visitors of safety ahead of Rwenzori Marathon

Kasese Woman Member of Parliament Sarah Ithungu Masereka has assured local and international visitors that the district is safe and open for business ahead of the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, dismissing fears related to Ebola.

Addressing concerns over the viral haemorrhagic fever, Masereka confirmed that there are no active Ebola cases in Kasese and urged tourists, athletes, and other visitors to proceed with their travel plans to the Rwenzori region.

"Kasese is safe and open for visitors. We want to assure Ugandans and the international community that there are no active Ebola cases in the district," she said.

Masereka explained that the recently reported cases were imported from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and noted that health authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, are closely monitoring cross-border movements to protect public health.

"The cases that were reported were imported from the DRC. Our health teams and security agencies are monitoring the situation closely, and there is no reason for the public to panic," she added.

The legislator expressed concern over what she described as misinformation surrounding Ebola, saying it has created unnecessary fear and negatively impacted tourism in the region.

"False information has caused fear among some visitors and tourists. We want people to know that Kasese remains safe and tourism activities are continuing normally," she said.

Masereka noted that businesses in the tourism sector have already suffered losses due to cancellations and reduced bookings, and called for accurate reporting to protect livelihoods.

"Our hotels, tour operators and tourism businesses should not continue suffering because of inaccurate reports. We need to tell the truth that Kasese is Ebola-free," she stressed.

On preparations for the marathon, Masereka assured participants of adequate security and health safety, adding that local authorities are working closely with event organisers and security agencies to ensure a successful outing.

"We are working together with security agencies, health officials and the organisers to ensure a safe and successful event for everyone who comes to Kasese," she said.

She also called on the Government to sustain support for tourism events that market Uganda internationally and stimulate local economies.

"The Rwenzori Marathon has become an important tourism event for our region and for Uganda. Government support remains important to ensure its continued growth and success," Masereka said.

She pledged her support to marathon organiser Amos Wekesa and welcomed participants expected from more than 25 countries.

"We thank the organisers for putting Kasese and the Rwenzori region on the global map. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the world and showing them the beauty and hospitality of our region," she added.

The fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is scheduled for August 22 in Kasese and will feature the full 42km marathon, 21km half marathon, as well as 10km and 5km races.

In the lead-up to the event, local influencers and the Good Forests Foundation Uganda conducted a town clean-up exercise on Saturday and planted over 200 trees in support of environmental conservation efforts and the protection of the Rwenzori Mountains' melting glaciers.

The marathon has grown into one of Uganda's premier tourism and sporting events, attracting thousands of runners and visitors while promoting conservation and local tourism in the Rwenzori region.