Mombasa — Sports diplomacy took centre stage this weekend as the Uganda Consulate-General in Mombasa, led by Consul-General Amb. Paul Mukumbya organised a Rwenzori Marathon activation run through the streets of Mombasa.
The event is part of a broader campaign by Uganda’s missions abroad to boost international participation in the internationally certified marathon and promote tourism to Kasese District.
The activation was held under a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Rwenzori Marathon Management, aimed at supporting and endorsing the annual Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon scheduled for August 23, 2025. The goal is to position Uganda as a leading global sports tourism destination.
The Mombasa run attracted over 500 participants from various parts of Kenya. The guest of honour, Hon. Kenneth Sammy Muigai Ambani, Mombasa County Sports Minister, encouraged Mombasa residents and those from neighbouring counties to take part in the annual marathon in Uganda, celebrating the unity and vibrancy of the East African region “from the beach to the mountain.”
The run began at Bamburi Fitness Gym with a warm-up aerobics session and interfaith prayers, and was supported by key sponsors including Kenya Fitness Challenge, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club, Uganda Airlines, Wes Lux, Premier Hospital, Aqelle Waters, and Fit 4 Life.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Paul Mukumbya urged Mombasa residents to join the marathon and explore Uganda. “Places like Mombasa are a low-hanging fruit for marketing Uganda tourism, given the convenience of location, time and expense. Our target is ultimately to attract 5,000 participants from Kenya alone,” said Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Consul-General.
He also invited runners to include Kampala in their travel plans, describing it as “the nightlife Capital of East Africa.”
Mr. Amos Wekesa, Chairperson of the Rwenzori Marathon Committee, echoed the importance of promoting tourism through the event.
“Besides creating a competitive platform for Ugandan athletes, which will unearth more talent and more long-distance runners for our country, the Marathon in a place like Kasese will put a spotlight on the importance of conservation of the environment and draw attention to the effects of global warming which is a major threat to the snow-capped Rwenzori ranges and related ecosystem,” said Amos Wekesa.
He thanked the Consulate for hosting the activation, noting that it would attract more international participants and highlight Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, such as the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake George, and the Equator.
Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that tourism promotion is a key pillar in Uganda’s ten-fold growth strategy.
“For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sports is not just a form of entertainment but a tool that drives tourism. Foreign visitors don’t just attend marathons as spectators; they participate in sports, buy equipment, and contribute to local economies through increased spending on accommodations, transportation, food, shopping, and entertainment,” noted Amb Richard Kabonero.
He added that Uganda’s diplomatic missions have been tasked with promoting the Rwenzori Marathon as a flagship sports tourism event capable of attracting participants from all races and religions.
The 10km run concluded at Travellers Beach Hotel and Club, where participants were treated to a beachside breakfast. Two lucky runners won return air tickets from Uganda Airlines, presented by Amb Kabonero, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
