Kampala, Uganda | ENTEBBENEWS.NET | Hundreds of Ugandans on Sunday took part in the second edition of the Independence Marathon at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya, using the event to raise support for maternal healthcare under the theme “Save a Mother.”
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 the first time the marathon used the Kampala Northern Bypass, with the 42-kilometre route stretching from Namboole to Busega.
Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye and Evas Nassasira were among the top finishers in the 42-kilometre race, while Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline and Innocent Iraguha led the 21-kilometre category. Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel and Olinga Joel were the leading finishers in the 10-kilometre race.
The race was flagged off by Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who also served as chief runner.
Atwine said the marathon demonstrated how sport could mobilise communities and resources around critical public health priorities, particularly maternal health.
She urged Ugandans who did not participate to support the 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,” Atwine said.
Funds raised will support the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank to increase its capacity to process, preserve and store blood for mothers experiencing childbirth complications, accident victims and other patients requiring transfusions.
Independence Marathon organiser Robert Kabushenga said the event brought 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,” Kabushenga said.
Stanbic Bank Uganda, Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour supported the marathon.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa said the partnership was aligned with the bank’s purpose of “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth” and its Positive Impact Agenda, which includes maternal and child health interventions.
Kalifungwa said postpartum haemorrhage remained a major maternal health concern, 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,” he said.
The marathon formed part of Stanbic’s wider social impact initiatives as the bank marked 35 years of supporting Uganda’s growth.
For participants, the event combined personal fitness with a cause affecting families across the country.
Mutesi Carol, a participant, said the maternal health focus gave the marathon added meaning, while Waldah Atheena of TMR Hospital encouraged Ugandans to become regular voluntary blood donors.
Atheena said the marathon proceeded without serious health complications or accidents among participants.
The Independence Marathon is expected to continue 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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