By Fidel Boy Leon
This August, the world is going far, to Kasese, where runners from 32 countries will gather at the foot of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains for Uganda’s most scenic and globally diverse sporting event.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Uganda Airlines, has announced a UGX 800 million boost for the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, slated for August 24.
The announcement at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala underscored the event’s growing stature as not just a race, but a celebration of endurance, unity, and Uganda’s tourism potential.
Permanent Secretary for Tourism Doreen Katusiime said the marathon reflects Uganda’s vision to turn unique experiences into powerful tourism magnets.
“This marathon is more than a race. It is part of a larger tourism vision. Today’s travellers seek experience, wellness, culture, nature, and community. The Rwenzori Marathon is a flagship tourism experience… sustainable, locally rooted, and globally appealing. Uganda is ready, rising, and everyone is welcome to the Pearl of Africa.”
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is a relatively young event, first held in 2022, yet it has already positioned itself as one of East Africa’s most distinctive races. Founded by tourism promoter Amos Wekesa and partners, the marathon was conceived not only as a sporting challenge but as a deliberate strategy to showcase Uganda’s natural beauty, particularly the often-overlooked Rwenzori region.
In its inaugural year, the race attracted runners from across Uganda and neighbouring countries, generating unprecedented tourism buzz for Kasese. By 2023, participation had grown significantly, with athletes from more than 15 countries and coverage from international media outlets.
Organisers credit this rapid growth to a combination of challenging high-altitude routes, spectacular scenery, and the event’s alignment with Uganda’s wider tourism marketing efforts.
Beyond the race, participants are encouraged to explore the wider Rwenzori region, home to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crater lakes, cultural heritage sites, and the snow-capped peaks of the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Marathon co-founder Amos Wekesa said the event’s benefits ripple far beyond the finish line.
“Last year, a lot of money was spent in Kasese and the surrounding areas because of the marathon. Kasese’s accommodation facilities are nearly fully booked, and the number of runners, especially from Kenya, continues to grow. “Our dream is to bring 2,000 to 3,000 Kenyan runners by 2026, turning this event into a major tourism and wellness destination.”
UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa said the marathon embodies the agency’s goal of spreading tourism opportunities beyond traditional hot spots.
“The Rwenzori Marathon showcases the kind of potential that lies outside the traditional tourism corridors. “We are here to support it because this is how we spread the benefits of tourism across the country.”
She added that the event aligns with Uganda’s Destination Marketing Strategy, which seeks to raise the profile of regional attractions while boosting local economies.
With runners from 32 countries already confirmed and a target of more than 50 in future, Kasese is gearing up for an influx of athletes, supporters, and media.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Senior Manager for Tourism and Business Development, Stephen Sanyi Masaba, outlined a package of incentives for participants, including discounted entry fees to Uganda’s national parks, familiarisation tours for influencers to showcase the best of Uganda and discounted Uganda Airlines fares for marathon runners.
The Rwenzori Marathon’s success rests on the combined energy of government, private sector, and global participants, coming together to light up Kasese and carry Uganda’s story far beyond its borders.