Kampala City, Uganda: Makerere University has officially launched the 2026 Makerere University Marathon, rallying Ugandans to support inclusive education by raising funds to improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, the marathon will run under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” and is expected to attract 7,500 participants, up from 5,000 runners who took part in last year’s edition.
Organised by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), the annual event has become one of the university’s flagship fundraising initiatives, promoting healthy living, community engagement and equitable access to education.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Dr Margaret J. Kigozi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, described the marathon as a transformative initiative that continues to create opportunities for vulnerable students while strengthening public support for higher education.
She said proceeds from this year’s event will once again support the Makerere University Disability Support Unit, enabling it to acquire specialised assistive technologies and educational equipment for students with disabilities.
“This growth is not simply about numbers. It is about expanding opportunities for students and strengthening Makerere’s capacity to serve society,” Dr Kigozi said.
Reflecting on her years as a student at Makerere in 1970, Dr Kigozi said participation in sports helped shape qualities such as resilience, teamwork and discipline, values she believes remain essential for leadership and professional success.
She noted that many of Uganda’s distinguished professionals, including doctors, professors, bankers, chief executives and public servants, cultivated these qualities through active participation in sports during their student years.
Dr Kigozi also highlighted the steady growth of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, revealing that its value has nearly doubled from Shs8.66 billion in 2021 to Shs17 billion, which she attributed to the confidence and continued support of alumni, development partners and well-wishers.
In another major announcement, she revealed that the Endowment Fund will, next academic year, establish the Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Education, a scholarship programme designed to support disadvantaged young women pursuing Master’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Dr Kigozi commended NCBA Bank Uganda, the marathon’s Platinum Sponsor, for its continued partnership in advancing inclusive education and supporting the university’s long-term development agenda.
She also applauded alumni, students, staff, volunteers and corporate sponsors whose continued support has sustained the marathon as one of Makerere University’s flagship community initiatives.
The 2026 marathon is expected to bring together students, alumni, athletes, corporate organisations and members of the public, with all proceeds dedicated to strengthening the university’s Disability Support Unit and improving access to quality education for learners with disabilities.
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