The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rallied Ugandans and international runners to participate in the forthcoming 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, saying the event is increasingly positioning Kasese as a destination for sports tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
The marathon is scheduled for August 22 in Kasese, with organisers targeting about 8,000 participants from 49 countries.
Speaking ahead of the event, John Leonard Mugerwa, head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry and Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad are supporting the marathon as part of efforts to promote sports diplomacy and tourism.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with its missions abroad, is proud to be a partner of the Kasese Marathon. Our missions abroad have mobilised runners, hosted and activated runs in their respective areas and will also participate in Kasese,” Mugerwa said.
He said sports diplomacy and tourism promotion are central to Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy, through which the country markets its exports, investment opportunities and tourism attractions.
“As you prepare to travel to Kasese, we wish you a safe and enjoyable marathon. I also encourage you to go beyond the race, take time to explore the parks, the people and the rich cultures in that part of the country,” he said.
Rwenzori Marathon team lead Amos Wekesa said the event has evolved beyond a sporting competition into an economic platform that is attracting visitors, investment and new business to Kasese.
Wekesa said the organisers have partnered with tourism stakeholders to showcase Uganda’s diverse cultures and destinations to international visitors attending the marathon.
“Come and run across the Equator. Run through Queen Elizabeth National Park. But it is beyond a run. It has become an economic engine,” Wekesa said.
He said the marathon was partly conceived to change perceptions about Kasese by showcasing the district’s natural beauty and tourism potential.
“Kasese is one of the most beautiful parts of this country. I have travelled the world, but Kasese and Uganda are uniquely beautiful. What you find everywhere else is actually found in Uganda, and that is what makes it very unique,” he said.
Wekesa said the growing number of marathon participants has created demand for accommodation and other services, encouraging investment in the district.
According to him, Kasese had about 500 accommodation rooms in 2022, when the marathon was launched. The number has since increased to about 2,500 rooms.
“I always say investment follows opportunity. Today, as we speak, many people are trying to invest in Kasese,” Wekesa said.
Wekesa said the marathon has recorded significant growth in both participation and international representation since its inaugural edition.
The event attracted about 800 runners from four countries in 2022, before rising to 2,200 runners from 15 countries in 2023 and 4,000 runners from 33 countries in 2024.
Last year, participation increased to 6,000 runners from 36 countries, while this year’s edition has already attracted runners from 49 countries, with organisers targeting 8,000 participants.
Wekesa said the proportion of foreign runners is particularly important because international visitors inject new money into the local economy through spending on accommodation, transport, food, tourism activities and other services.
“Most marathons in the world have about five to 10 per cent foreigners. We are almost hitting 30 per cent. Our dream is to have 5,000 foreigners and 5,000 Ugandans,” he said.
He explained that while domestic tourism circulates money already within the Ugandan economy, international visitors bring additional foreign currency into the country.
“When a Ugandan from Kampala goes to Kasese, they are distributing money that already exists in the economy. But when a foreigner enters the country, they enter with new money. Whatever they spend actually contributes to GDP growth,” Wekesa said.
The marathon organisers say the event will also provide participants with an opportunity to explore destinations in western Uganda, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Rwenzori region and surrounding cultural attractions.
The 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon will feature 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races and is scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Kasese.
