The second edition of the Independence Marathon took place on Sunday at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya, Uganda, with hundreds of participants. The event, themed "Save a Mother," aimed to raise support for maternal healthcare. The marathon featured various races, including 42-kilometre, 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre, and 5-kilometre routes, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, families, and members of the public.
This year's edition marked the first time the marathon used the Kampala Northern Bypass, with the 42-kilometre route stretching from Namboole to Busega. Top finishers in the 42-kilometre race included Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye, and Evas Nassasira. In the 21-kilometre category, Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline, and Innocent Iraguha led the pack. The 10-kilometre race saw Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel, and Olinga Joel as the leading finishers.
The marathon was flagged off by Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who also served as the chief runner. Atwine emphasized the significance of the event in mobilizing communities and resources around critical public health priorities, particularly maternal health. She encouraged those who did not participate to support the initiative through donations.
The funds raised from the marathon will support the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank. This facility will increase the bank's capacity to process, preserve, and store blood for mothers experiencing childbirth complications, accident victims, and other patients requiring transfusions.
Independence Marathon organiser Robert Kabushenga stated that the event brought together fitness, patriotism, and philanthropy. He described the marathon as a movement that promotes healthy living, national pride, and giving back to the community. The event was supported by Stanbic Bank Uganda, Old Mutual, TMR Hospital, and Jet Tour.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa highlighted that the partnership was aligned with the bank's purpose of supporting Uganda's growth and its Positive Impact Agenda, which includes maternal and child health interventions. He emphasized that safe motherhood is a key impact area for the bank, as postpartum haemorrhage remains a major maternal health concern.
The marathon formed part of Stanbic's wider social impact initiatives as the bank marked 35 years of supporting Uganda's growth. Participants appreciated the event's focus on maternal health, with some encouraging Ugandans to become regular voluntary blood donors. The event proceeded without serious health complications or accidents among participants, and the Independence Marathon is expected to continue as an annual event.
Key points
- The Independence Marathon aimed to raise support for maternal healthcare in Uganda.
- The event featured various races and attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, families, and members of the public.
- Funds raised will support the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.
