By KT Reporter
Thousands of runners gathered Saturday at the Jinja Rugby Grounds in Jinja for the 2026 Run for the Nile, an event aimed at raising awareness and funds to protect Lake Victoria and the River Nile from pollution and environmental degradation.
Participants took part in 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer and 21-kilometer races, as organizers highlighted the need to restore degraded ecosystems and reestablish forests along key water sources.
The Nile, which begins in Jinja and flows through several countries to Egypt, remains a vital resource for millions. In Uganda, it supports water supply, energy production and livelihoods, including in Kampala, where many residents depend on water drawn from Lake Victoria.
A team from the Kampala Capital City Authority, led by Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, participated in the run and later drew attention for collecting plastic waste at the event grounds.
Kigenyi said the act was intended to demonstrate the importance of individual responsibility in protecting the environment.
“Protecting our water bodies starts with simple actions. If each of us takes responsibility for our waste, we can significantly reduce pollution in the Nile and Lake Victoria,” Kigenyi said.
“Kampala depends on Lake Victoria for water and livelihoods. What happens here in Jinja directly affects us. This is not just an environmental issue, it is an economic and public health priority.”
Plastic waste remains a major contributor to pollution in water bodies, posing risks to ecosystems and communities that rely on them.
The chief runner, Rt Rev Grace Lubale, Bishop of Busoga Diocese said the initiative was timely and called for stronger collective efforts to protect the environment through tree planting and community engagement.
He said schools would play a key role in conservation efforts, including a plan to plant up to one million trees starting with schools like Busoga College Mwiri.
Several schools participated in the run, which organizers said helps instill environmental awareness among young people.
Organizers said the event is part of broader efforts to mobilize communities to safeguard natural resources that are critical not only to Uganda but also to countries along the Nile Basin.
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