By Ahab Bwesigye
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon for its contribution to promoting sports diplomacy, tourism and economic diplomacy in Uganda.
This was revealed as the ministry welcomed a team from the Rwenzori Marathon, led by its chief founder, Amos Wekesa, for a diplomatic briefing at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kampala.
Speaking during the meeting, the Head of International Law and Social Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the marathon provides an important platform for advancing Uganda’s sports and economic diplomacy while promoting the country as a tourism destination.
“This has brought together sports diplomacy, economic diplomacy and tourism promotion, which are part of the core responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the official said.
Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa described the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon as a symbol of peace, stability and unity in Uganda.
“It is more than a race. It is a celebration of who we are as a country and what Uganda has to offer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to be a partner of this marathon.”
He noted that Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad have mobilised runners to participate in the event, with several diplomats and international participants expected to join the marathon in Kasese.
According to the Ministry, the growing international participation in the marathon demonstrates how sporting events can be used to strengthen Uganda’s diplomatic relations while creating opportunities for tourism and investment.
Rwenzori Marathon founder Amos Wekesa said the event started as a dream inspired by the Kilimanjaro Marathon, an idea he developed while working as a tour guide in Kenya and Uganda.
He said the dream has now grown into an international sporting event capable of putting Kasese and the Rwenzori region on the global tourism map.
“Kasese is a beautiful destination that many tourists would love to visit,” Wekesa said, adding that increased international exposure could contribute significantly to the area’s economic transformation.
He explained that the marathon has attracted growing interest from athletes around the world, with organisers expecting approximately 30 percent of the participants in the 2026 edition to come from outside Uganda.
The event is not only about athletics, but also about showcasing Uganda’s natural beauty, culture and tourism potential while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Kasese, Uganda, bringing together athletes, tourists, diplomats and visitors from Uganda and beyond.
The event is expected to further position Kasese as a destination for sports tourism while using athletics as a platform to promote peace, strengthen international connections, attract visitors and contribute to the economic development of the Rwenzori region.
