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David GOMBE

Uganda Baati has renewed its assist for the Gulu Metropolis Marathon, saying the occasion has grow to be an essential platform for enhancing group well being, selling tourism and supporting improvement in Northern Uganda.

The dedication was made throughout the launch of the 2026 Gulu Metropolis Marathon, the place authorities officers, enterprise leaders and improvement companions known as for better assist to develop the race.

Uganda Baati Head of Exterior and Company Affairs Jackie Tahakanizibwa mentioned the corporate has been a part of the marathon’s journey due to the distinction it’s making in folks’s lives.

“Uganda Baati didn’t simply sponsor the Gulu Metropolis Marathon; we turned a part of a motion that’s reworking lives in Gulu and altering the story of Northern Uganda,” she said.

Via Uganda Baati Basis, the Company Social Funding arm of Uganda Baati and its companions, she mentioned greater than 5,000 folks obtained free medical providers throughout final yr’s marathon.

Takanizibwa mentioned the outreach additionally uncovered the necessity to strengthen HIV consciousness, particularly amongst younger folks.  “Our group medical camp revealed the necessity to strengthen HIV consciousness, particularly amongst younger folks. That’s why this yr’s marathon is specializing in HIV prevention and consciousness.”

Chief visitor Norbert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, mentioned the marathon has grow to be an essential occasion for the area.

“This marathon is a catalyst. It brings collectively authorities, companies, improvement companions, communities and guests round one frequent goal, accelerating the transformation of Northern Uganda,” he said.

He mentioned the race promotes tourism, helps native companies, creates alternatives for younger folks and helps market Northern Uganda as a vacation spot for funding.

The Gulu Metropolis Marathon convener Francis Gimara mentioned the occasion was began to alter the way in which folks see Gulu and Northern Uganda.

“This Marathon was born from a easy perception that Gulu and Northern Uganda need to be seen, skilled, celebrated and invested in. Once you come to Gulu, you’re not simply coming to run. You’re coming to expertise our tradition, assist native communities and create lasting reminiscences.”

Gimara mentioned this yr’s marathon will strengthen its HIV consciousness marketing campaign after final yr’s group medical camp discovered that 19 of the 80 folks examined had been HIV optimistic.

Businessman Amos Wekesa known as on native leaders, companies and residents to assist the marathon whether it is to proceed rising. “If we wish the Gulu Metropolis Marathon to grow to be one in every of Africa’s nice races, everybody should personal it, from native leaders and companies to the group itself,” Wekesa mentioned.

He mentioned marathons create enterprise alternatives for lodges, transport operators, eating places and merchants, including that Gulu ought to benefit from the guests the occasion attracts.

A contribution of UGX 10 million was made in direction of the Martin Aliker Useful resource Centre as a part of the proceeds from the 2025 Gulu Metropolis marathon.

Rotary Membership of Kampala President Shem Nnaggenda Okay. Nsubuga mentioned Rotary would proceed supporting the marathon’s well being programmes, HIV consciousness marketing campaign and group initiatives.

The 2026 Gulu Metropolis Marathon is predicted to draw 1000’s of runners from Uganda and overseas as organisers proceed utilizing sport to advertise tourism, group well being and financial exercise in Northern Uganda.