Wheelchair racers steal the show at Makerere Marathon

Close to 2,000 runners braved the Sunday morning shower to participate in the third edition of the annual Makerere Marathon, which was intended to raise resources for disabled students at the university in pursuit of their academic goals.

The runners competed in 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km and 3km races for persons with disabilities.

Kapchorwa-based runners dominated the male event, where Oscar Kibet from Kweni, training at former Commonwealth Games champion Moses Kipsiro's camp, won the NCBA Bank-sponsored race in 2:30.00, followed by teammate Bera Kipsisie and Edson Katurebe.

In the women's race, Evas Nasasira won the 42km event in 2:45.29.

The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth, flanked by the Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, and the Chairperson of the Makerere University Alumni, flagged off the different races.

Dr. Kigozi hailed the runners who came to support the event.

Sarah Ssali, who represented Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the runners and said it was beyond the love for the university, especially for people to brave the rains and run.

"It was not only a run but a mountain. I thank all those who participated, and the funds raised last year and this time have been specifically for supporting students with disabilities. We exist in an inclusive world," she noted.

After finishing the 3km race, Kampala Mayor Ronald Balimwezo hailed the participants, especially for supporting the cause for disability.

"Anyone can one day befall this fate. I thank all those who have contributed to the support, but especially the University that also availed a bus to ease travel for students with disabilities at the campus to go to class. Continue to support because the gadgets we use are very expensive," noted Balimwezo, who also succumbed in a car accident years ago at Lugogo in Kampala.

He also reiterated the importance of education and called on all concerned to make sure many more children who start primary education qualify in certain skills to reduce muggers in towns.

Executive Director of NCBA Bank Uganda, Julius Konyani, emphasized the importance of partnerships.

"At NCBA Bank Uganda, we believe that sustainable progress is built through meaningful partnerships. We are therefore proud that the funds raised through this year's marathon will support the Makerere University Disability Support Unit through the provision of specialized assistive technologies and learning equipment," he noted.

After the race, the two Makerere University 3km runners who used electric wheelchairs, Kule Kalembe, a B.A. student in education, and Sharon Nalumansi, for the B.A. in Applied Phycology, were recognized as winners and awarded sh1m and sh500,000 respectively.