KAMPALA: Hundreds of Ugandans turned up at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya on Sunday for the second edition of the Independence Marathon, held under the theme “Save a Mother” to mobilise resources for life-saving maternal healthcare.
The marathon featured 42-kilometre, 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, families and members of the public.
This year’s edition marked a significant milestone as the first Independence Marathon to use the Kampala Northern Bypass, with the 42-kilometre route stretching from Namboole to Busega.
Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye and Evas Nassasira emerged among the top finishers in the 42-kilometre race, while Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline and Innocent Iraguha topped the 21-kilometre category. In the 10-kilometre race, the leading finishers were Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel and Olinga Joel.
The race was flagged off by Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who served as the chief runner.
Atwine said the marathon demonstrates how sport can be used to mobilise communities and resources around critical public health priorities, particularly maternal health.
She urged Ugandans who did not participate in the marathon to support the cause by contributing directly to the maternal health fundraising initiative through FlexiPay 189200 or Stanbic Bank account 903001893749.
“Saving a mother requires all of us to play our part. Events such as the Independence Marathon bring the public together around a cause that directly affects families and communities. Every contribution towards strengthening maternal healthcare can make the difference between life and death,” Atwine said.
Funds raised through the initiative will support the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, aimed at increasing its capacity to process, preserve and store blood for mothers experiencing childbirth complications, accident victims and other patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.
Independence Marathon organiser Robert Kabushenga thanked participants, sponsors and well-wishers for turning up in large numbers, describing the event as a platform that brings together fitness, patriotism and philanthropy.
“The Independence Marathon is more than a race. It is a movement that brings together healthy living, national pride and giving back to the community. Every person who registers, runs or walks is contributing towards saving the lives of mothers across Uganda,” Kabushenga said.
The marathon also received strong backing from the private sector, with Stanbic Bank Uganda, Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour supporting the initiative.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa said the Bank’s support is aligned with its purpose of “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth” and its Positive Impact Agenda, which includes interventions aimed at improving maternal and child health.
“At Stanbic, we believe that Uganda is our home and we drive her growth. Supporting the Independence Marathon is one way of contributing to healthier communities and addressing challenges that have a direct impact on the lives of Ugandans. Saving mothers is a cause that requires collective action, and we are proud to be part of this journey,” Kalifungwa said.
He said postpartum haemorrhage remains a major concern in maternal health, making reliable access to adequate blood supplies and storage facilities critical.
“Safe motherhood is one of Stanbic’s key impact areas because no woman should lose her life while giving life. Through this partnership, we are encouraging Ugandans to donate blood and contribute towards strengthening blood storage infrastructure that will ultimately save mothers’ lives,” he said.
The marathon is part of Stanbic’s broader social impact initiatives as the Bank marks 35 years of driving Uganda’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to working with communities to address pressing social challenges.
‘A race with a purpose’
For participants, the event offered an opportunity to combine personal fitness with a cause that directly affects families across the country.
Mutesi Carol, one of the participants, said the maternal health cause gave the marathon added significance.
“I came to run, but I also came because of the cause behind this marathon. Knowing that my participation can contribute towards better blood storage and ultimately help save a mother’s life makes this more meaningful than an ordinary race,” Mutesi said.
Waldah Atheena of TMR Hospital encouraged Ugandans to become regular voluntary blood donors, noting that blood donation can save multiple lives while helping maintain adequate blood stocks for emergency medical care.
She added that the marathon went on well without any serious health complications or accidents from participants.
The Independence Marathon is expected to continue growing as an annual event ahead of Uganda’s Independence celebrations, combining sport, patriotism and community giving to support critical healthcare needs.
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