Uganda Courts Kenyan Runners with Mombasa Activation for Rwenzori Marathon

In a vibrant showcase of sports diplomacy, the Uganda Consulate-General in Mombasa, led by Amb. Paul Mukumbya, over the weekend organized a Rwenzori Marathon activation run through the streets of Mombasa.

The event is part of Uganda’s larger campaign to drive international participation in the 2025 Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon and increase tourism traffic to Kasese District.

The run was organized under a strategic partnership between Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Rwenzori Marathon Management, with the marathon set for August 23, 2025. The collaboration seeks to position Uganda globally as a premier sports tourism destination.

Over 500 runners from across Kenya turned up for the 10-kilometer run that began at Bamburi Fitness Gym and concluded at the Travellers Beach Hotel and Club.

Mombasa County Sports Minister, Kenneth Sammy Muigai Ambani, was guest of honor and rallied residents of Mombasa and neighboring counties to embrace the marathon as a celebration of regional unity—“from the Beach to the Mountain.”

The activation drew support from a host of sponsors including Uganda Airlines, Kenya Fitness Challenge, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club, Premier Hospital, Aqelle Waters, Wes Lux, and Fit 4 Life.

Speaking at the event, Amb. Mukumbya described Mombasa as a "low-hanging fruit" for Uganda's tourism marketing due to its proximity and existing travel infrastructure.

“Our goal is to attract at least 5,000 participants from Kenya alone. Kampala is already East Africa’s nightlife capital—add the Rwenzori Marathon and you have the ultimate travel experience,” he said.

Also in attendance was Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He emphasized that sports is no longer just entertainment, but a powerful economic tool.

“International participants in marathons don’t just run—they spend on hotels, meals, shopping, transport, and experiences, contributing significantly to host economies,” Kabonero said.

He also noted that under Uganda’s “10-Fold Growth Strategy,” tourism promotion is a key priority within the Ministry’s Accelerated Transformation Mechanisms (ATMs), and missions abroad are being mobilized to position the Kasese-based marathon as Uganda’s flagship sports tourism event.

Chairperson of the Rwenzori Marathon Committee, Amos Wekesa, echoed the call for regional participation, highlighting the race’s potential to promote conservation awareness and spotlight Uganda’s natural beauty.

“The Rwenzori Marathon is not just about sport—it’s a gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake George, the Equator, and the magnificent snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains,” Wekesa said. “We’re also using it to advocate for environmental conservation and climate action.”

The event concluded with beachside celebrations, breakfast, and giveaways—including Uganda Airlines return tickets to two lucky runners, presented by Amb. Kabonero.

The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon remains Uganda’s only internationally certified marathon, and the government hopes it will play a central role in reshaping Uganda’s sports tourism landscape.