Preparations for the 2026 Independence Marathon have gathered momentum after hundreds of runners, fitness enthusiasts and corporate partners took part in a build-up activation at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya on Saturday.
The second edition of the marathon will be held on Sunday, October 4, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, with proceeds supporting maternal healthcare, particularly blood storage capacity at Mengo Hospital.
The Naalya activation brought together members of running clubs from Kampala and other parts of the city for a community run aimed at encouraging more Ugandans to register for the main event.
The marathon is being held under the “Save a Mother” campaign, with funds raised expected to support the establishment of a cold room at the Mengo Hospital Blood Bank.
The facility is intended to improve the storage of blood needed by mothers and other patients requiring transfusions.
Robert Kabushenga, who is leading the marathon organising committee, said the event offers Ugandans an opportunity to combine physical fitness with support for a national health cause.
“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.
He encouraged participants to arrive at Namboole early on race day, saying security, traffic management and parking arrangements were being put in place to ease movement around the stadium.
The marathon will have four race categories: 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km. Registration costs Shs70,000, according to the organisers.
The event’s headline sponsor, Stanbic Bank Uganda, said its support is part of its Corporate Social Investment and Positive Impact Agenda, with a focus on safe motherhood.
Diana Ondoga, Manager of Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the bank was supporting the marathon because postpartum haemorrhage is among the major causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.
“Safe motherhood is one of Stanbic’s key impact areas because no woman should lose her life while giving life,” Ondoga said.
“Through this partnership, we are encouraging Ugandans to donate blood, register for the marathon and contribute towards strengthening blood storage infrastructure that will ultimately save mothers’ lives.”
Ondoga said the initiative also forms part of Stanbic’s activities as the bank marks 35 years of operating in Uganda.
“At Stanbic, we believe Uganda is our home, and we drive her growth. Supporting initiatives like the Independence Marathon demonstrates our commitment to partnering with communities to solve real societal challenges and create sustainable impact,” she said.
Franco Ariho, Blood Donor Recruitment Manager at Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, said improving blood storage capacity was important in ensuring that patients can access blood when they need it.
He said postpartum haemorrhage can cause severe blood loss during childbirth and that timely access to safe blood can help save mothers’ lives.
“Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Uganda, yet many of these deaths are preventable when safe blood is available,” Ariho said.
“The support generated through this marathon will strengthen our ability to collect, process and safely store blood, ensuring more mothers receive lifesaving transfusions when they need them most.”
The marathon is supported by Stanbic Bank Uganda, TMR Hospital, Old Mutual, the Ministry of Health and Nivana Water, among other partners.
The 2026 edition will start and finish at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, with the 42km route using the Northern Bypass.
