Thousands of runners gathered at Makerere University on Sunday, 27 September 2026, for the sixth Makerere Marathon, braving a heavy morning downpour to support students with disabilities.
This year’s marathon raised funds to equip the University’s Disability Support Centre. Held under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” the event featured 5km, 10km, 21km and 42.2km races, as well as a 3km wheelchair race.
Participants dressed in green and gold kits began arriving as early as 5:00 AM.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, served as Chief Runner and flagged off the races. He was joined by Makerere University Chancellor and Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga.
Oscar Kibet won the 42.2km race, followed by Eibern Kipsis in second place. James Kirwa and Febia Chemutai won the men’s and women’s half-marathon races, while Semmy Aproru and Edian Nuwagaba emerged victorious in the 10km and 5km races, respectively. Festus Kule Katende won the 3km wheelchair challenge.
Speaker Oboth commended the University leadership for organising the marathon, saying the event was gaining momentum and raising awareness about disability.
He told students with disabilities that they needed compassion rather than sympathy. He made a personal contribution, pledged Parliament’s support and invited Makerere University to work with Parliament through the Clerk ahead of the next edition.
The Speaker also reminded students that Makerere is built on a hill and that every climb represents a barrier overcome.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the Speaker and Chancellor and thanked them for flagging off the runners despite the unfavourable weather.
Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara said one centre could not adequately serve the entire University. She called for support units in every department and, where possible, each hall of residence to reduce the long distances travelled by students with disabilities.
Disability Support Centre Manager Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu described the marathon as the main driver of the Centre’s growth. The Centre currently supports about 155 students and has acquired equipment including a braille embosser, a large-print printer and electric wheelchairs.
Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, chairperson of the Disability Students Association and a visually impaired law student, demonstrated assistive devices including the Eye Magnifier and Focus Blue 40 note-taker. She thanked the organisers for helping to make education more inclusive.
Dr. Maggie Kigozi pledged that the Makerere University Endowment Fund would continue working with the Disability Support Centre.
Nalumansi Sharon, a third-year Applied Psychology student, received a wheelchair race prize and called upon donors to fund electric wheelchairs because of Makerere’s hilly terrain.
NCBA Bank’s Julius Konyani said the marathon was “not only about completing a race” but also about health, resilience and teamwork. He linked the bank’s support to its education agenda and thanked participants for contributing towards better learning opportunities. NCBA pledged UGX 1.45 billion over five years in July.
Organised by the Makerere University Endowment Fund, the marathon also seeks to build a sustainable pool of funds to support economically disadvantaged students.
With sponsors, University leaders and students united behind the cause, the event carried a clear message: the hill is meant to be climbed together.
