Uganda is positioning the 2026 Rwenzori Marathon as a major platform for promoting tourism, attracting investment and showcasing the country’s sporting talent, with participants from nearly 45 countries expected to travel to Kasese for the event on August 22.
Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) Peter Ogwang told Parliament that more than 10 million people worldwide are projected to follow this year’s marathon, highlighting its growing international reach and potential economic impact.
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Ogwang said the event has developed beyond a sporting competition into a platform for talent identification, tourism promotion and enterprise development in the Rwenzori region and across Uganda. The government, through the National Council of Sports, has contributed Shs3.7 billion toward the marathon, with the funding primarily allocated to the prize purse to attract and reward competitive athletes.
The minister said the marathon has recorded significant growth since its earlier editions. In 2025, the event attracted 18,000 visitors from 36 countries and 6,000 runners, with international participants accounting for 21 percent of the field.
Ogwang credited marathon Chief Executive Officer Amos Wekesa and other partners with transforming the event from a local initiative into an international platform showcasing Uganda’s landscapes, hospitality, sporting talent and investment opportunities.
The government also sees the marathon as an opportunity to revive Kasese’s long-distance running tradition, which was affected by the insurgency of the early 2000s and the absence of structured systems for identifying and developing athletic talent.
Kasese Municipality MP Ferigo Kambale said the marathon has helped place Uganda on the international sporting map, while Kasese District Woman MP Sarah Itungo Masereka called for additional investment in sports facilities and tourism infrastructure.
Accommodation capacity remains one of the challenges facing Kasese as visitor numbers increase. Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Suzan Nakawuki encouraged residents and entrepreneurs to view the demand as an economic opportunity by developing additional accommodation options, including home-based stays.
She also urged local businesses to prepare services for visitors, including roadside rest areas, restrooms, coffee shops, souvenirs and crafts.
Former international athlete and Otuke East County MP Julius Acon Bua used his own sporting experience to call for greater government investment in athletics and other sports, emphasizing their potential to create opportunities for young people.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about traffic management, emergency medical services, security and general preparedness ahead of the expected influx of visitors.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa commended the marathon organizers and said the event is contributing to Uganda’s international profile. He urged the government to strengthen its partnership with the organizers and explore the possibility of developing a major Kampala marathon.
With international participation expected to grow, organizers and government officials see the Rwenzori Marathon as an increasingly important intersection between sport, tourism, entrepreneurship and regional economic development.