Environmental conservation takes centre stage once again as the fourth edition of the Run for the Nile is scheduled for 28th March 2026 at the Jinja Rugby Grounds.
The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Jinja and promoted Uganda in partnership with Rotary Clubs of Kampala Central, Jinja City, Jinja Metro, Kyadondo, Njeru and Source of the Nile.
The Run is expected to attract over 15,000 participants from Uganda and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to protecting the River Nile and Lake Victoria.
The run serves as a fundraising and awareness platform to support grassroots environmental efforts. Proceeds from the run will fund tree-planting drives, community cleanups, and conservation education programs designed to promote responsible stewardship of vital water ecosystems.
According to Tomson Ofwono of the Rotary Club of Jinja and Chairman of the Organising Committee, environmental degradation in and around the Nile Basin is increasingly threatening livelihoods.
Rapid urban growth, industrial expansion, and agricultural runoff continue to introduce pollutants into water systems, particularly near major population centres.
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by presenting a cheque worth UGX 20,000,000 in support of the 2026 Run for the Nile.
Clare Asiimwe, Corporate Affairs Manager at NBL, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to water stewardship and environmental protection, noting the brewery’s contribution to the run.
“At Nile Breweries Limited, water is at the heart of our business. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is therefore not optional; it is fundamental. We rely on clean, high-quality water to brew our products, and protecting our water sources is essential for both the communities we serve and the future of our company,” She noted.
“This year, we are proud to contribute UGX 20 million towards the Run for the Nile initiative, strengthening our partnership to safeguard Lake Victoria and the River Nile. We believe that when businesses and communities come together to protect the environment, we create the foundation for shared prosperity that can last for generations.”
Lake Victoria, which feeds the Nile, faces mounting pressure from plastic waste and unsustainable land practices. While policy and legislative efforts to address pollution are gaining momentum in Uganda, organisers emphasise that lasting progress depends on active public participation alongside policy action.
Participants in this year’s run can choose between 5km, 10km, and 21km race categories, with registration kits priced at UGX 30,000. The event will also host educational exhibitions and interactive sessions to raise awareness about pollution, waste management, and everyday actions individuals can take to protect water resources.
Beyond the event itself, organisers are committed to supporting continued research and regional conservation partnerships aimed at improving water quality across the Nile Basin.