Preparations for this year’s Independence Marathon have gathered momentum following a successful build-up activation held on Saturday at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya, where hundreds of runners, fitness enthusiasts and corporate partners converged ahead of the main event slated for October 4 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The activation attracted members of several running clubs from across Kampala, who participated in a community run while encouraging more Ugandans to register for the inaugural marathon, which seeks to promote healthy living while raising funds to improve maternal healthcare.
This year’s marathon will support the establishment of a cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, boosting its capacity to process and preserve blood for mothers and other patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.
Speaking during the activation, Robert Kabushenga, the Independence Marathon organiser, described the event as a unique way for Ugandans to celebrate Independence while contributing to a national 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 urged participants to arrive at Namboole by 6:00 a.m., noting that comprehensive security, traffic management and parking arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe and seamless experience.
Kabushenga also announced that marathon kits are now available at UGX 70,000, with registration accessible through FlexiPay, MTN MoMo and Airtel Money. All finishers will receive commemorative medals.
Headline sponsor Stanbic Bank Uganda said its partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to improving maternal health under its Corporate Social Investment strategy and Positive Impact Agenda.
Diana Ondoga, Manager, Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank, said the Bank chose to support the marathon because it addresses one of Uganda’s leading causes of maternal mortality; postpartum haemorrhage.
“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, register for the marathon and contribute towards strengthening blood storage infrastructure that will ultimately save mothers’ lives,” Ondoga said.
She added that the initiative reflects Stanbic’s commitment to creating lasting social impact as the Bank celebrates 35 years of driving Uganda’s growth.
“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.”
Funds raised through the marathon will go towards establishing a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, helping increase the availability of safe blood across the country. The marathon is also sponsored by TMR Hospital, Old Mutual, Ministry of Health, Nivana and the Corporate Society for safe motherhood.
Franco Ariho, In Charge of Blood Donation at Mengo Hospital, said expanding blood storage capacity is critical to reducing preventable maternal deaths.
“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. 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,” Ariho said.
He called on Ugandans to become regular voluntary blood donors, noting that a single donation has the potential to save multiple lives.
The Independence Marathon is expected to become an annual event held every year ahead of Uganda’s Independence celebrations, combining fitness, patriotism and philanthropy while mobilising resources to strengthen maternal healthcare and save lives.
