The grey skies and morning drizzle over Kampala on Sunday did little to dampen the spirits of hundreds of Ugandans who converged at the Kitante Primary School playground for the 8th edition of the Uganda Wildlife Half Marathon.
By 6:30 am, what started as a misty morning had transformed into a sea of color as an estimated thousands of runners, clad in bright kits, gathered to run not just for fitness, but for a deeply poignant cause.
Organised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) under the theme “Running to Educate Children of the Fallen Rangers”, this annual marathon serves as the primary fundraiser for the Fallen Rangers Education Fund, an initiative that supports the children of rangers who have lost their lives protecting Uganda’s natural heritage – wildlife.
Despite the early morning chill, the atmosphere at Kitante was electric. Renowned kickboxer Moses Golola led an energetic warm-up session, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd as participants stretched and prepared for the challenge ahead.
The marathon was officially flagged off by the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, franked by the State Minister for Tourism Hon. Martin Mugarra, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi, and the UWA board chairperson, Prof. James Kalema, who all traded their suits for running gear to participate in the 5km fun run.
Participants tackled three distances; the grueling 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and the ever-popular 5km fun run, which drew the largest crowd of families, corporate teams, and conservation enthusiasts.
The 21km route took runners from Kitante, along Yusuf Lule Road, onto Jinja Road, pushing through Naalya, Kiwatule, and Ntinda, before looping back via Old Kira Road. The 10km route offered a different tour of the city, winding through Archer Road, Lugogo, and Malcolm X Avenue.
As the runners pushed through the streets of Kampala, the event retained a festive and communal feel. Friends paused for selfies, strangers exchanged words of encouragement, and children darted through the crowd with infectious excitement.
When all the runners returned to Kitante, they were welcomed by the vibrant beats of singer Spice Diana in what was named the Uganda Wildlife Concert, transforming the playground into a true carnival of compassion.
Securing education funds one running kit at a time
According to UWA, close to 40 rangers have died in the line of duty over the years. These men and women, tasked with protecting Uganda’s national parks and wildlife, face threats ranging from charging buffaloes, hippos, and snakes to encounters with armed poachers and hostile community members.
Speaking at the event, Bashir Hangi, the Assistant Commissioner of Communications at UWA and head of the Marathon Committee, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support.
He noted that the funds raised contribute directly to the education of nearly 150 children, from primary school through to university.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the UWA Executive Director, reassured the families of the fallen heroes of the Authority’s commitment.
“UWA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the well-being of families of fallen heroes, especially in terms of scholarship support. We firmly believe that investing in their education not only honors the legacy of their parents, but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society in the future,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
The impact of this support was personified by Allan Kelechi, a beneficiary of the fund who was present at the marathon.
Set to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Multitech Business School, Kelechi said that ever since his father passed away, UWA has covered his school fees.
He is one of the many bereaved children whose fathers and mothers sacrificed their very lives so wildlife conservation could be enforced.
For UWA, such is too big a sacrifice to leave the bereaved scavenging for school fees, hence the annual marathon whose proceeds replenish the Fund’s coffers amidst the ever-increasing need.
Champions of the Day
While the day was about unity and remembrance, the competitive spirit was fierce.
In the men’s 21km race, Mark Biryomumeisho emerged victorious, followed by Ezekiel Kipsisei and Silas Boch in second and third places respectively. In the women’s 21km category, Doreen Chesang triumphed, with Annet Chelangat Chemengich and Annet Chesang rounding out the podium.
In the 10km races, Commonwealth 800m silver medalist Halima Nakaayi showcased her class by winning the women’s category, while Kevin Kibaki took the top spot in the men’s 10km race.
The 8th Uganda Wildlife Half Marathon was a powerful prelude to World Wildlife Day, celebrated on March 3rd. It served as a reminder that conservation is not just about protecting animals, but also about standing in solidarity with the human guardians who sacrifice everything to keep Uganda’s wild heritage safe.
