The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga will grace the second edition of the Kampala Refugee Marathon in July 2025, which is expected to attract close to 20,000 participants from the East African partner states.
Preparations for the marathon are in the final stages between Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, and Ethiopian community leaders and entrepreneurs residing in the city.
This meeting highlighted the Ugandan government’s proactive strategy of connecting with diaspora communities from neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania to drive collective development and cooperation.
“President Yoweri Museveni’s administration recognises and values the contributions of not only the Ugandan diaspora but also non-citizens who have settled in Uganda for business, education, or other opportunities,” stated Abbey Walusimbi.
Muhammad Suleyman, an Ethiopian community leader, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government for its welcoming environment. He described Uganda as a second home, praising its cultural richness, natural beauty, and the supportive atmosphere that has allowed their businesses to thrive in Kampala.
He noted that previous cooperation with the government had been beneficial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and during times of crisis, such as supporting over 80 Ugandans stranded in Khartoum amid conflict.
According to him, such initiatives are instrumental in strengthening ties and addressing the pressing challenges faced by refugees.
Suleyman also recommended expanding similar initiatives to resettlement areas across Uganda, including Kyaka II, Rwamwanja, Oruchinga, Nakivale, Kyangwali, Kiryandongo, Rhino Camp, Imvepi, Bidibidi, Palorinya, Adjumani, Palabek, and the Kisoro border points.
This engagement, part of the marathon’s preparation, could pave the way for enhanced collaboration between government institutions, refugee support organisations, business networks, and educational bodies.
These partnerships are expected to craft targeted solutions that reflect the specific needs of Uganda’s refugee and diaspora populations.
Among those present at the meeting were Fikru Abebe from AIRD Organisation, Gisilla Amenu of GTB Limited, Alemayehu Tabor, a former UN official, and Amma Yirga representing the Ethiopian community.