In a significant development, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe on Wednesday paving the way for the establishment of the Kampala Marathon, a prestigious event boasting an investment of USD 4.6 million.
Attended by key stakeholders including Ambassador Dr. Amina J. Mohamed, former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage, and Culture in Kenya, Mr. Bob Verbeeck, CEO & Founder of Golazo, a renowned sports marketing agency, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister of Education responsible for Sports, and Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the Presidential Advisor on Special Duties and Chairman of PACEID Uganda, the meeting saw President Museveni commit Uganda’s support by approving funding for the Kampala Marathon.
This landmark decision aims to position Uganda as a global sports and tourist destination, drawing elite runners from Uganda and around the world to compete in the annual event, with an anticipated attendance of 20,000 runners. The Kampala Marathon aspires to become Africa’s premier marathon, showcasing Uganda’s natural beauty and hospitality to a global audience while promoting tourism and celebrating the country’s rich sporting culture.
With its quality infrastructure, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant community, Uganda offers an ideal venue for this esteemed marathon, promising benefits not only for participating athletes but also for the local economy by boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities.
Organizers are committed to upholding international standards and best practices, with an experienced team led by the Ministry of Education and Sports and assisted by Mr. Bob Verbeeck overseeing all aspects of the marathon’s organization, including course management, participant registration, security, and hospitality.
The inaugural edition of the Kampala Marathon is scheduled to take place in November 2024.
In other developments, Hon. Peter Ogwang informed the President that the National High Altitude Training Center in Kapchorwa is ready for commissioning, inviting His Excellency to preside over the ceremony. Other notable attendees included Ms. Ketty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Ambassador Kiema Kilonzo, the former Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda.