The countdown to the highly anticipated third edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has officially commenced with the unveiling of this year’s marathon kit.
The launch event took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) headquarters in Luzira.
UBL’s Commercial Director, Emmy Hashakimana, alongside other key stakeholders and sponsors, led the ceremony.
This year’s marathon kit has been designed to combine functionality with style, ensuring that participants are well-equipped for the race on August 24th.
The kits feature a dual-colour scheme: blue shirts for the 21km race and green shirts for the 5km, 10km, and 42km races. This colour differentiation is intended to assist organizers and marshals in efficiently managing the race, especially in areas where routes overlap.
The kit also includes a new drawstring bag, complementing the water bottle and waist bag provided in previous editions.
“As we unveil this year’s kit, I must say, I am proud of the incredible milestones the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has attained in a few years,” said Hashakimana.
“The marathon was recently certified by World Athletics, stamping it as a truly global event. We are excited about the global attention this marathon is attracting and we look forward to welcoming runners from all over the world.”
The marathon has drawn international attention, with runners from over 30 countries registered. Organizers have set their sights on elevating the marathon to the standards of iconic global races.
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is already recognized as one of the most picturesque races in the world, offering participants the chance to run through a national park, cross the equator, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges.
Amos Wekesa, Director of Equator Hikes and the visionary behind the marathon, expressed his excitement about the event’s growth. “We are thrilled to see the growing enthusiasm both locally and globally for this marathon.
Undoubtedly the goal for the future is to continue to position this marathon alongside some of the world’s greatest races, and we are well on our way.”
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, launched in 2022, aims to showcase Uganda’s tourism, promote a healthy lifestyle, address climate change, and economically empower the local Kasese community.
The marathon’s success is reflected in the continued commitment of various sponsors to making the event bigger and better each year.
CFAO’s Mobility Marketing Manager, Issac Tegule, also shared his enthusiasm, stating that the brand had an amazing experience last year and is ready to deliver an international experience that exceeds expectations.
In true Tusker Lite fashion, the marathon will conclude with an epic after-party—the Tusker Lite Neon Rave.
Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and unwind, with Vinka headlining the event alongside other talented acts.
The rave will also feature performances by local Kasese talent, giving them a platform to shine.
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon is supported by an impressive lineup of partners, including Standard Chartered Bank, Britam, Coca Cola Beverages Uganda, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, CFAO Mobility, Uganda Wildlife Authority, PSFU, Uganda Airlines, and Great Lakes Safaris.
Kits are now available for pick up at Forest Mall Parking and at Station Express, Lugogo. For registration details and more information, participants are encouraged to visit the official marathon website.
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum