Kampala, Uganda: The Office of the President has officially launched the second edition of the Urban Refugee Marathon, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting refugee inclusion, social integration, and collective action for the rights and welfare of displaced communities living in Uganda’s urban centres.
Scheduled for July 20, 2025, the marathon is expected to attract over 10,000 participants drawn from refugee populations and host communities across Kampala, Rwanda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and others.
This year’s marathon, DailyExpress understands, will be flagged off by First Deputy Prime Minister and East African Affairs Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who is also expected to participate as Chief Runner at Old Kampala Secondary School.
Speaking during the launch held at Makindye Forest Park, the Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, reaffirmed Uganda’s globally acclaimed open-door policy toward refugees, while celebrating the role of the marathon as a unifying platform.
“As Office of the President, we not only coordinate our country’s diaspora, we also take care of the diaspora of other nations who’ve found refuge in Uganda,” Mr Walusimbi said, noting that Uganda remains Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country with over 1.8 million refugees and asylum seekers, and ranks sixth globally.
The Ambassador added that Uganda is the only country where refugees enjoy rights akin to nationals, including access to public services, land use, free movement, and work opportunities.
“I commend H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for recognizing and valuing the contributions of both Ugandans abroad and non-citizens who have settled here for education, business, or safety,” Walusimbi stated.
A Showcase of Refugee Resilience and Regional Solidarity
Fikru Abebe, CEO of the African Initiatives for Relief & Development (AIRD), hailed the event as a symbol of community cohesion and a testament to Uganda’s hospitality.
“We are proud to be part of this marathon and applaud the government for providing land, services, and a chance at a better life for displaced persons,” Fikru said.
Other development actors and community leaders in attendance praised Uganda’s refugee model and pledged continued support. Marriam Kidane Fassil, CEO of the Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund, called the marathon “a vital step in strengthening unity among diverse communities.”
Brighton Kwagala Emmanuel, the event organizer, emphasized that the run is more than sport—it’s a tool for advocacy, awareness, and nation-building.
“This initiative raises visibility of the struggles and hopes of urban refugees. Our goal is to strengthen protection mechanisms and to turn refugee solidarity into an engine for national development,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Eritrean community, Kisanet Tedros reaffirmed their commitment to building inclusive support systems, while Oliver Bakomezi, Chairperson of the Congolese refugee community, said: “We are not forgotten. Uganda has given us hope. We are ready to contribute to this country’s prosperity wherever we live.”
Marathon Route
The marathon route, organized in coordination with the Uganda Athletics Federation, will feature 5km and 10km races through the heart of Kampala, symbolizing the refugee journey of resilience and hope.
Sponsors include Faras Uganda, Equity Bank, DFCU Bank, Centenary Bank, Salaam Bank, LaBelle Company, and Kyeyo Initiative Uganda.
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