With just weeks to the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, police in Kasese have assured runners, spectators and visitors of comprehensive security arrangements as the district prepares to host more than 8,000 athletes from around the world. The assurance came on Sunday during a community activation run in Kasese Municipality, where hundreds of residents and running enthusiasts turned up to build excitement ahead of the August 22 marathon.
Kasese District Police Commander SP Hassan Hiwumbire said police, working together with other security agencies, have put in place all the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of participants and visitors throughout the event.
Organisers say this year’s race has attracted unprecedented international interest. Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon representative Collins Masiga said more than 8,000 runners are expected to participate, with athletes from over 20 countries already registered.
He said the strong turnout at the activation run reflects growing enthusiasm among residents and the business community, who stand to benefit from the influx of visitors. Masiga encouraged residents of the Rwenzori region and Ugandans at large to prepare to welcome guests and take advantage of the economic opportunities the marathon will bring.
Local athletics coach Francis Kithulha said athletes from the Rwenzori region are well prepared to compete against elite international runners, expressing confidence that they will perform strongly on home soil. Miss Tourism Rwenzori, Rinah Masika, urged residents to use the marathon to showcase the region’s rich tourism potential and encouraged local talent to participate in the event.
The Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon has grown into one of Uganda’s premier sporting events, attracting participants from countries including the United States, France, Germany and South Africa. Organisers say the marathon has evolved beyond a sporting competition into a platform for promoting tourism, healthy living and local enterprise, with thousands of visitors expected to boost business activity across the Rwenzori region during the event-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
