Fort Portal Marathon 2026: Where Sport, Tourism and Culture Converge to Showcase Uganda’s Beauty

The 2026 Fort Portal City Marathon once again transformed Uganda’s tourism capital into a vibrant arena of endurance, culture and destination marketing as more than 2,500 participants, including over 1,000 competitive athletes, converged on the scenic city for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports tourism events.

Held on 17th July 2026, the marathon celebrated the unique blend of athletics, tourism, conservation and community that has made Fort Portal City one of Uganda’s most attractive visitor destinations. Against the backdrop of the Rwenzori ranges, crater lakes and rich cultural heritage, runners from across Uganda and beyond experienced a race that continues to redefine sports tourism in the Pearl of Africa.

The event was graced by members of the Buganda Royal Family, led by Prince David Wasajja, alongside members of the Tooro Kingdom, Government Ministries, agencies and departments, private sector players amongst others, highlighting the growing national significance of the marathon. The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom officially flagged off the races before joining hundreds of participants in the 5km community run, while Prince Wasajja flagged off the highly competitive Half Marathon before taking on the 21km race himself.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM DEEPENS COMMITMENT TO SPORTS TOURISM

Demonstrating Government’s continued commitment to positioning sports as a driver of tourism growth, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities supported the Fort Portal City Marathon with UGX 20 million and purchased participation kits worth UGX 6 million.

Representing the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Commissioner for Tourism Development, Mr. Vivian Lyazzi, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to investing in sporting events that market Uganda to domestic, regional and international audiences.

“Sports tourism has become one of the most powerful platforms for showcasing Uganda’s unique attractions while stimulating local economies. Events like the Fort Portal City Marathon encourage domestic tourism, attract international visitors, support hospitality businesses and inspire Ugandans to discover their own country. The Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that position Uganda as Africa’s preferred destination for adventure, wellness and sports tourism.”

His remarks echoed the Ministry’s strategic focus of leveraging sporting events to promote destination marketing, increase visitor numbers and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities.

GROWING CONFIDENCE IN UGANDA’S SPORTS TOURISM POTENTIAL

Speaking on behalf of the Marathon Proprietor, Andrew Mwanguhya, the official in charge of publicity expressed confidence in the remarkable growth of the event, noting that the increasing participation reflects the growing appreciation of sports tourism as a catalyst for destination promotion.

He observed that the marathon has evolved beyond a race into a national tourism experience that celebrates Uganda’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and community spirit, while creating opportunities for local businesses, exhibitors and tourism enterprises.

THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY OF REMARKABLE GROWTH.

Competitive athletes more than doubled from just over 1,000 last year to well over 2,000 this year, while overall participation surpassed 2,500 people. Exhibition booths also increased significantly from 40 exhibitors in 2025 to more than 55 exhibitors this year, demonstrating growing confidence from tourism stakeholders and the private sector.

The event also recorded increased local participation, rising from 75 percent in the previous edition to approximately 80 percent, further reinforcing the Ministry’s domestic tourism agenda encouraging Ugandans to explore and experience their own country.

Beyond tourism, the marathon strengthened its social impact by launching support towards Tooro Babies Home, adding to previous legacy initiatives that included the planting of 1,000 tree seedlings and contributions towards the Tooro Education Fund.

MINISTRY STAFF LEAD BY EXAMPLE

The Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to wellness was equally evident on the course.

The Ministry’s own Sarah Nakitende who serves as an Information Technology Officer delivered an impressive performance by finishing second in the Women’s 5km race, earning a podium finish that reflects the Ministry’s robust employee wellness programme championed by its Human Resource Unit. Her achievement demonstrated that promoting active lifestyles remains an integral part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to wellness and healthy living.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES ON THE COURSE

Athletes delivered thrilling performances across all race categories.

Full Marathon (42km) – Men

* Jolimo Moses – 1st

* Sande Denis – 2nd

* Byaruhanga Brian – 3rd

Full Marathon (42km) – Women

* Mirembe Lindah – 1st

* Koech Maureen – 2nd

* Hilda Nkoola – 3rd

Half Marathon (21km) – Men

* Awech Peter – 1st

* Cherop Dominic – 2nd

* Jacob Jacob – 3rd

Half Marathon (21km) – Women

* Silva Chelangat – 1st

* Chepkwemoi Joy – 2nd

* Tadelech Abate – 3rd

10km – Men

* Chemos Joktan – 1st

* Kermit Enoc – 2nd

* Kusiima Ronald – 3rd

10km – Women

* Kasembo Daphine – 1st

* Margaret Namuyomba – 2nd

* Kansiime Rose – 3rd

5km – Men

* Patience Mukisa – 1st

* Anami Nanfuka – 2nd

* Mirembe Christopher – 3rd

5km – Women

* Vanessa Wanyama – 1st

* Sarah Nakitende – 2nd

* Maggie Tooro – 3rd

STRONG PARTICIPATION ACROSS RACE CATEGORIES

The marathon registered impressive completion rates across all distances, underlining the quality of race organization and athlete preparedness.

* Full Marathon (42km): 107 starters, 104 finishers

* Half Marathon (21km): 354 starters, 328 finishers

* 10km Race: 275 starters, 272 finishers

* 5km Fun Run: 176 starters, 172 finishers

A RACE THAT CONTINUES TO RAISE UGANDA’S TOURISM FLAG

From royal participation and elite athletic performances to cultural exhibitions and destination experiences, the 2026 Fort Portal City Marathon demonstrated why sports tourism continues to be one of Uganda’s emerging pillars for destination marketing.

As the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities continues to champion innovative tourism products, the Fort Portal City Marathon stands as a shining example of how sport can inspire travel, celebrate culture, strengthen communities and position Uganda as the destination of choice for adventure, wellness and unforgettable experiences