Uganda Athletics vows crackdown as unsanctioned marathons put athletes at risk

The recent controversy surrounding the Mbarara City Marathon has once again brought to light the growing challenge of unsanctioned athletics events in Uganda, raising serious concerns about athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport.

A week ago, marathon organiser Dickens Friday Kaka was taken into custody after allegedly defying directives from Uganda Athletics (UA) to halt the event.

Despite official orders, Kaka went ahead and staged the marathon, sparking outrage within the athletics fraternity.

This is not the first time the Mbarara marathon has faced scrutiny. In the previous edition, winners were reportedly left stranded after completing the race without receiving their promised prize money, an incident that cast doubt on the credibility and organization of the event.

While the Mbarara saga is currently in the spotlight, it reflects a broader issue across the country. Numerous road races often branded as marathons are being organized without proper sanctioning or technical guidance, exposing athletes to potential exploitation.

Under Uganda’s new sports law, Uganda Athletics must sanction all athletics-related events before they are held. This requirement is intended to ensure that races meet standard regulations, including proper route measurement, safety protocols, and guaranteed prize structures.

Uganda Athletics president Dominic Otucet confirmed that the federation had engaged the Mbarara marathon organizer prior to the event.

“We met with the Mbarara marathon organizer and advised him to organize a half marathon instead of a full marathon due to limited prize money,” Otucet explained. “He was also required to seek technical support, including route measurement, and adjust the event date. Unfortunately, he disregarded this guidance and proceeded without our approval.”

Otucet emphasized that the federation is now taking a firmer stance against individuals who organise unsanctioned competitions. He noted that any prospective organizer must formally write to Uganda Athletics to request permission and technical support before hosting an event.

Going forward, Uganda Athletics has warned that anyone who organizes events outside the established framework will face consequences.