The 2026 Culture and Heritage Awareness Marathon has concluded successfully in Kampala with stakeholders calling for greater investment in cultural heritage preservation and its integration into tourism and community development initiatives.
Organized by Calsaar Cultural Initiative under the theme, “Empowering Communities Through Cultural Heritage,” the event combined intellectual dialogue and public participation through a symposium at Makerere University and a marathon at Sheraton Gardens.
The Culture and Heritage Awareness Symposium, held under the sub-theme “Turning Culture into Action: Harnessing Heritage as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism and Community Development,” brought together cultural leaders, academics, tourism stakeholders, students, researchers and development partners to discuss the role of heritage in addressing contemporary development challenges.
Speaking during the symposium, Steven Sekajja, Executive Director of Calsaar Cultural Initiative, said cultural heritage must be viewed as a living resource capable of transforming communities.
“Cultural heritage is not merely about preserving the past. It is about creating opportunities for the present and future. Our traditions, indigenous knowledge, historical sites and cultural practices have the potential to drive tourism, create jobs, strengthen community identity and contribute to sustainable development,” Sekajja said.
He noted that many communities across Uganda possess unique cultural assets that remain underutilized despite their potential to generate economic and social benefits.
“We must move beyond documenting and celebrating our heritage to actively investing in it. When communities take ownership of their cultural resources and are supported to develop them sustainably, culture becomes a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation,” he added.
The discussions focused on preserving indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening cultural tourism, increasing youth participation in heritage promotion and enhancing collaboration among cultural institutions and development actors.
The activities culminated in the Culture and Heritage Awareness Marathon at Sheraton Gardens, where participants took part in 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 21-kilometre races aimed at raising awareness about Uganda’s rich cultural diversity.
The event also featured cultural exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances, art and craft displays, and showcases by cultural and tourism organizations.
Addressing participants before the flag-off, Sekajja emphasized the importance of engaging young people in heritage preservation efforts.
“Many young people today are disconnected from their cultural roots. Through initiatives like this marathon, we are creating a platform where culture becomes relevant, engaging and meaningful. We want young Ugandans to appreciate that their heritage is a source of pride, identity and opportunity,” he said.
He added that cultural heritage and tourism can play a critical role in addressing unemployment and promoting sustainable livelihoods if properly harnessed.
“Culture should not only be seen as entertainment or tradition. It is an economic resource. Communities can benefit from cultural tourism, traditional crafts, storytelling, cultural festivals and heritage sites. These are opportunities that can improve livelihoods while preserving our identity,” Sekajja noted.
Participants commended the initiative for creating a unique platform that blends sport, culture and education while fostering national unity and appreciation of Uganda’s diverse cultural landscape.
According to the organizers, the marathon was aligned with the objectives of International Museum Day celebrations and sought to extend heritage conversations beyond museums into communities through public engagement and physical activity.
The event is expected to contribute to increased public awareness of cultural heritage, strengthened youth participation in preservation efforts, enhanced visibility of cultural tourism opportunities and stronger partnerships among stakeholders in the culture and tourism sectors.
“As we run for our roots, we are also running for the future of our communities. Protecting our heritage today means creating opportunities for generations to come,” Sekajja said.
The Culture and Heritage Awareness Marathon was first launched in 2025 and continues to grow as a national platform promoting cultural awareness, heritage preservation and community empowerment through sport and dialogue.
