The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is back with a bang, commencing the 2026 edition with a prestigious status – World Athletics Label Road Race.
This makes Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon the first ever in Uganda to achieve this milestone and the third in East Africa – cementing its place in the global athletics sphere.
At the launch of this 5th edition held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, organisers and government officials unveiled transformative developments for the 2026 edition, signaling a new era for sports tourism in Uganda.
What began as a bold idea in 2022 has rapidly evolved into a national and regional movement, and with the latest announcements, it is poised for unprecedented global acclaim.
Speaking at the launch, renowned tourism and hospitality mogul and marathon team lead Amos Wekesa revealed that the Rwenzori Marathon has achieved numerous major milestones but being officially designated as a World Athletics Label Road Race speaks volumes as per the initiative’s growth and general impact over the years.
“This label places the Kasese-based race on the global calendar of elite road events, meeting strict standards for course measurement, timing, and organisation. The marathon has also been certified as an official qualifier for two of the world’s most iconic races; South Africa’s Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon,” Wekesa revealed.
Government Throws Its Weight Behind the Event
The launch was marked by an unprecedented show of support from the Ugandan government, with several ministers and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament in attendance.
Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, revealed government plans to construct an international airport in Kasese as part of the national 20-airport strategy.
He applauded the private sector for initiatives like the Rwenzori marathon, which are catalyzing such large-scale infrastructure developments in the Western Tourism Circuit.
Tayebwa also pledged Parliament’s full support, promising that the legislature will field a team for the race in Kasese, led by himself .
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, also announced a USD 1 million investment to strengthen event organisation and reward outstanding winners.
This financial support marks a significant step, with the Ministry of Sports joining the Ministry of Tourism in backing the event.
He said, “For years, our people have travelled abroad to run major marathons. But elite runners from abroad were not coming to us. We are changing that.”
Hon. Martin Mugarra, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, highlighted the event’s increasing influence, noting that the surge in participants and spectators is driving a notable boom in hotels, transport services, and local businesses.
“Kasese has changed. It has become more vibrant, more prosperous, and safer,” he remarked.
This sentiment was echoed by Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, who invited investors to view Kasese as an emerging hub of opportunities.
He assured stakeholders that strategic development is already underway to support the region’s rapid growth.
In a stunning revelation, Kabbyanga announced plans to expand accommodation capacity to reach up to 10,000 rooms, alongside the introduction of new activities and immersive visitor experiences to match the anticipated increase in arrivals.
A Shared Vision for Growth
The collaborative spirit driving the marathon’s success was further underscored by Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Director General of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), who participated in the launch.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the partnership, emphasiing how the marathon’s objectives align closely with UCC’s mission to provide a competitive platform for Ugandan athletes.
The marathon’s transformative power is already visible. From just 800 runners in its inaugural 2022 event, it grew to attract over 5,000 participants from 36 countries in 2025.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for August 22, and with its new World Athletics Label status, government backing, and qualification for global races, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is a powerful engine for economic growth, tourism, and national pride, inviting the world to run, explore, and celebrate Uganda.