American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, best known for his role in the Fast & Furious film franchise, has touched down at Entebbe International Airport ahead of his headline performance at the Africa Coffee Marathon scheduled for October 3rd, 2026, in Ntungamo.
Gibson was received on Tuesday morning, August 25th, 2026, by the Talent Africa Group Chief Executive Officer, Aly Allibhai, whose company is handling the entertainment side of the event.
Uganda’s Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Kagwa was also at the airport, highlighting the growing connection between the marathon, tourism and Uganda’s coffee industry.
The Hollywood star is expected to headline the entertainment programme during the second edition of the Africa Coffee Marathon, organized by Inspire Coffee Group, founded by Nelson Tugume.
“We want to use coffee, sport and entertainment to tell a bigger story about Uganda and the communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture,” Tugume said.
This year’s event is being held under the theme “Empowering the IK Community of Karamoja through Coffee Farming to End Poverty.” The theme reflects the organizers’ broader ambition to use coffee farming as a tool for economic empowerment while drawing attention to communities facing poverty and limited livelihood opportunities.
Tugume and his team say the marathon is more than an entertainment event, describing it as a platform through which Uganda’s coffee farmers can connect with wider markets while the country promotes its agricultural and tourism potential.
Gibson’s arrival is expected to generate significant public interest in the October event, given his international profile as both a Hollywood actor and musician. Beyond his appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise, he has built a successful music career spanning several decades.
His visit comes as organisers seek to attract more international personalities to the Africa Coffee Fest 2026, with United States footballer Tim Weah, the son of former Liberian president and football legend George Weah, also among the international guests linked to the event.
The first edition of the Africa Coffee Marathon attracted considerable attention after Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz headlined the event. Organizers are now seeking to build on that momentum by bringing Gibson to Uganda as the main international act for this year’s edition.
The event is ultimately expected to provide a platform for Uganda to market its coffee beyond traditional agricultural circles while using music and sport to attract both domestic and international audiences to the country.
