Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s sports tourism sector has received a major boost after the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon secured the highly-coveted World Athletics Label Road Race, becoming the seventh race in Africa and the only one in East Africa to attain the prestigious global recognition.
The milestone was announced during the official launch of the 2026 edition at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa unveiled the recognition alongside State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra, Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo and National Council of Sports chairperson Ambrose Tashobya.
The World Athletics Label places the race on the official global road racing calendar and confirms it meets stringent international standards in course measurement, elite athlete participation, safety and timing.
“Uganda joins a very small group of African marathons recognised at global standard. The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has officially earned World Athletics Label Road Status, making it the seventh in Africa and the only one in East Africa. This is putting Kasese and Uganda on the global map,” said Amos Wekesa, Team Lead at Equator Heights, the marathon’s main organisers.
The event, which began five years ago with just 800 runners, now attracts nearly 10,000 participants from over 50 countries. The 2026 edition will be staged under the World Athletics label for the first time.
Government Backs Expansion
Tayebwa hailed the marathon’s growing impact on sports tourism and pledged sustained government backing, particularly in infrastructure and security.
“We promise as Government to continue supporting this marathon,” he said, adding that investment in Kasese International Airport would ease access for international runners and tourists visiting the Rwenzori region.
Sports Minister Ogwang announced a $1 million government injection aimed at enhancing prize money and attracting elite global athletes. “We are investing one million dollars to help with the prize money. This will attract the best international athletes,” Ogwang said.
“For years, our people have travelled abroad to win major marathons. Now we are building a platform that brings the world here,” he added.
International Qualification Status
Beyond the World Athletics Label, the 2026 race has also been confirmed as an official qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, further elevating its global profile.
The marathon has increasingly positioned itself as a flagship of Uganda’s eco-sports tourism strategy, blending competitive athletics with scenic routes under the iconic Rwenzori Mountains backdrop.
Organisers say the race promotes eco-conscious operations while generating direct economic benefits for local communities in Kasese.
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