Low Turnout for Kabalega Independence Run
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Only 720 participants attended the Kabalega Independence Run in Hoima, falling short of the expected 1,000 runners.
Participants cited poor mobilization and unclear communication of the event’s cause as reasons for the low turnout.
James Kisoro, Executive Chairman of the Kabalega Foundation, which organized the run, said the event still met its primary goal of raising awareness about environmental conservation.
By 7am, Bunyoro Kingdom subjects began arriving at Hoima Booma Grounds, where the run was scheduled to start.
As numbers gradually grew, participants engaged in aerobics and jogging while waiting for the chief runner, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
After some delay, Kabagambe Kaliisa, Senior Presidential Advisor on Energy and a member of the Bunyoro Kingdom Royal Commission, flagged off the runners at 8:30am.
The races included 2km, 5km, 10km, and 21 km categories. This year’s run, which marked 101 years since the death of King Kabalega Cwa II, focused on promoting environmental protection.
However, some participants expressed disappointment, including Timothy Basime, the 21 km race winner, who noted that the lack of prizes discouraged many athletes.
"I have noticed this gap. Last year I won, and this year I won again, but there’s no recognition. This lowers morale. If there were prizes for the top 10, more people would participate," Basime remarked.
Despite falling short of the 1,000-participant target, many attendees recognized King Kabalega’s legacy.
Frank Zila Alinaitwe, Airtel Money’s Account Manager, acknowledged Kabalega’s greatness and the importance of addressing environmental issues. "Kabalega was a great man, and the issue of the environment is critical, so we needed to join this cause," Alinaitwe said.
Other participants, like Aldon Walukamba, spokesperson for the National Forestry Authority (NFA), echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental conservation.
"We need initiatives like this run to prevent the further endangerment of forests. It’s crucial we act now," Walukamba stated.
Dr Kabagambe Kaliisa encouraged the people of Bunyoro to embrace such runs, noting their benefits for both health and the environment.
He highlighted the impact of environmental degradation, citing unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters as warning signs.
Dr James Isagara Kisoro, the event organizer, acknowledged that despite a smaller turnout, the run achieved its objective of spreading the message of environmental preservation.
He attributed the low numbers to poor mobilization, citing resource strain from recent celebrations marking 100 years since King Kabalega’s death.
However, he expressed optimism for future runs, pledging better communication and the introduction of prizes next year.
Though attendance was below expectations, the event attracted politicians, cultural leaders, and religious figures, with additional activities like blood donation contributing positively to the community.