The Ugandan government has thrown its full weight behind the 2025 Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, describing it as a flagship event for promoting sports tourism and positioning Uganda as a premier destination for health and adventure travel.
Now in its fourth edition, the internationally certified marathon is set to take place on August 23 in Kasese district, with this year’s 42-kilometre highlight route starting at the Equator Monument in Kikorongo, located within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The route offers runners an unmatched opportunity to experience Uganda’s unique blend of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural richness.
According to Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the marathon goes beyond athletic competition.
“The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is not just a sporting event,” Katusiime said. “It is a strategic tool for promoting Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, empowering local communities, and branding Uganda as a premier destination for health and adventure travel.”
She noted that government recognizes the significant role Marathons play in tourism by attracting large numbers of passion-driven participants from both local communities and international countries.
"These events often serve as a major travel motivator, where runners who are deeply invested in the sport journey to new destinations not only to compete but to explore and connect. The influx of international participants increases hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and demand for cultural experiences, thereby boosting the local economy," Katusiime said.
"Globally, sports tourism is a powerful economic force, currently valued at over 800 billion US dollars and projected to reach 1.8 trillion by 2030. Uganda must claim its share of that opportunity and we are doing just that."
She noted that t2025 Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon edition is already attracting participants from 32 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
"With over 450 runners from Kenya alone, we are well on our way to welcoming athletes from more than 50 nations, a strong indicator of Uganda’s growing visibility on the international sports and tourism map. The success of this marathon is no coincidence; it’s a direct result of a deliberate and strategic government action aimed at diversifying Uganda’s tourism offerings."
The Uganda Tourism Board(UTB) CEO, Juliana Kagwa said the marathon speaks directly to their
mandate to market Uganda as a competitive destination by promoting regional tourism products.
"The Rwenzori Marathon showcases the kind of potential that lies outside the traditional
tourism corridors. We are here to support it because we believe this is how we spread the benefits
of tourism across the country," Kagwa said.
UTB Marketing Manager, Francis Nyende said they have belief in the vision behind the marathon .
"This is not just a marathon but changing communities and empowering people. It is just more than a race but a destination experience which combines sports, storytelling and scenery . This makes it a unique tourism product for the country," Nyende said.
He noted that the marathon will help spotlight Uganda's tourism potential, especially the Rwenzori Mountains.
"To us it not just a mountain but home to Africa's third highest peak, Margherita and the only important glaciers we have in the world. With it comes a lot of unmatched biodiversity and history."
The Ministry of Tourism commended the private sector, particularly hoteliers and the community in Kasese, for their continued support and hospitality.
“This isn’t just about one weekend in western Uganda,” said Amos Wekesa, the Team Lead for the marathon.
“It’s about unlocking long-term benefits, enhancing Uganda’s tourism brand globally, and proving that our country can host high-quality, high-impact international events.”