The State Minister of Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, has called on all Ugandans to support the government by participating in the marathon in their respective capacities.

He pledged the government’s support for creating an environment that promotes population health through physical activity, emphasizing that they cannot accomplish this without the help of the public and private sectors.

Ogwang made these remarks on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) while addressing journalists about the Kampala City Marathon, an initiative by the government to boost tourism and investment in Uganda.

The government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID), in conjunction with the private sector, intends to organize the Kampala City Marathon to profile Uganda’s socio-cultural and economic endowment.

According to Ogwang, the marathon aims at promoting the health of the population through engagement in physical activity as a lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases, and it’s a ten-year project to brand Kampala City and Uganda as a preferred tourist destination.

He stated that the marathon is one of the strategies to generate revenue and is also poised to be one of the top marathon races in Africa.

“The Kampala City Marathon, is poised to be one of the top marathon races in Africa that will be key in helping our country attract tens of thousands of visitors to experience the best of the Ugandan spirit and hospitality, but it will also offer us an opportunity to showcase our stellar long-distance running tradition and, of course, celebrate the beauty and diversity that make Uganda truly unique,” Ogwang said.

“We also have the added benefit of doing this while keeping our people fit and thus reducing the burden of Non-communicable Diseases,” he added.

He highlighted that the MoES will organize the marathon with the involvement of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), the private sector, and relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“In the organization of the marathon, the MoES will be supported by Golazo, a company with vast experience in organizing international marathons all over the world, like Berlin, Nairobi, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Ghent, among others,” he stated.

However, Ogwang explained that events prior to, during, and after the marathon will create opportunities to promote the diverse natural beauty and cultures of our people, in addition to creating a platform for the Ugandan business community to showcase their products and services to the world.

“It will include showcasing entertainment along the course and finish, a cultural festival, and a Hall of Fame for the marathon. Furthermore, there will be Safari packages days after the marathon weekend to the various tourist destinations,” he said.

He further stated that the organization of the marathon is fully funded by President Museveni, and he appreciated his support and commitment to the physical wellbeing of Ugandans.

The marathon is scheduled to take place in December 2024 and will consist of the following races: 42.195km, 10km, a half marathon (21.097 km), and 5km.

The events are expected to start and finish at the Mandela National Stadium and will be open to elite and regular local and foreign runners and joggers.

The Ministry of MoES envisions growing the Kampala Marathon to involve over 65,000 participants over a 10-year period.

The marathon is thereafter expected to sustain itself through private sector contributions and event proceeds after the initial four years.