Rwenzori Marathon Boost For Sports and Tourism – Government

As excitement builds ahead of the third edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon scheduled for August 24th, the State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, has expressed his gratitude and support for the event, which he sees as a significant boost to both sports and tourism in Uganda.

Speaking ahead of the marathon, which is set to take place in the scenic district of Kasese, Hon. Mugarra praised the event organizers and sponsors particularly Tusker Lite, for their continued dedication.

“I want to thank the organizers of the Rwenzori Marathon and the sponsors led by Tusker Lite,” said the Minister. “This is not easy. Most things started in Uganda die after the second edition, or they don’t see the second edition, but this has gone on to the third, and we see it growing every other day. That is because of the serious effort and focus put into this marathon.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has contributed Sh50 million towards the marathon, a gesture the Minister highlighted as part of a broader effort to support sports and tourism in the country.

However, he acknowledged the significant role played by the private sector in driving such initiatives.

“For us as a Tourism sector, we will create an enabling environment, but the real business movers are you people in the private sector,” he emphasized.

Hon. Mugarra also took the opportunity to commend Uganda’s athletes who have brought pride to the nation at the concluded Paris Olympics, including those supported through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

He mentioned Olympic medalists Joshua Cheptegei (10,000m Gold) and Peruth Chemutai (3000m Steeplechase Silver).

He added that the Ministry supports athletes like Winnie Nanyondo, Halimah Nakaayi, Jacob Kiplimo, and Sarah Chelangat through the Uganda Wildlife Agency.

“That’s why Cheptegei is nicknamed the Silverback, and you can see the attachment we have,” he noted, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to supporting sports as a key driver of national pride and tourism.

The Minister further highlighted the government’s contribution to sports infrastructure, including the donation of land for the High Altitude Training Centre in Sebei, the renovation of Namboole and ongoing construction works at Hoima Sports Stadium. “We know the value sports can bring to the country,” he said.

As the marathon day approaches, Hon. Mugarra encouraged Ugandans to participate and explore the natural beauty of Kasese.

“Kasese is now a better place; the roads are now better than they were before, and I promise you will enjoy the place,” he assured potential visitors.

He also pointed out the welcoming nature of the local communities and the attractive discounts on visits to the tourism sites.

The region is home to Mt. Rwenzori National Park which is a snowcapped Mountain having Margherita peak as the highest point or roof in Uganda.

Also, there is the Queen Elizabeth National Park which is a home of unique animal and bird species, The Kazinga Channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, The Equator point where you can meet the equator at the snow.

In a final appeal, the Minister urged Ugandans to take pride in their country’s beauty beyond the bustling capital. “If you are a Ugandan and think the country isn’t beautiful because you stay in the noise and pollution of Kampala, you have a problem. Get out of the city and see what this country has to offer.”

It’s strong to note that this will be the first edition since the Marathon was certified by World Athletics.

Amos Wekesa, the Rwenzori Marathon team lead, explained: “The certification of the Rwenzori Marathon is a significant milestone, granting it international recognition and attracting a plethora of marathoners and journalists to the Country ahead of the event.”

“As one of the top three athletics powerhouses on the continent, it’s surprising that Uganda previously lacked a certified marathon, forcing our talented athletes to seek qualification abroad.

“This certification bridges that gap, providing our local athletes with a prime opportunity to qualify for World Championships on home soil, eliminating the financial barriers of costly travel and booking fees that had hindered their progress.

“Moreover, with millions of runners in the United States alone, if we can entice them to Kasese, this can inject a significant boost to our economy through tourism and showcasing the beauty of Uganda to the world.”

Marathon participants will get 50% discount on entry fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park from August 23-25, 2024, by presenting their race bibs at the park entrance, a chance to win 4 gorilla and 4 chimpanzee tracking permits in a raffle exclusive to in-person runners and an access to Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest peak, which has reopened for climbing after a temporary closure.