JINJA CITY: All roads will lead to Jinja Rugby Grounds on March 28, 2026, for the highly anticipated Run For The Nile marathon, an initiative aimed at raising UGX 550 million to support tree planting along the banks of the River Nile and the shores of Lake Victoria in Mayuge District.
The development was officially unveiled on March 18, 2026, during a jersey handover ceremony where the Director of Promote Uganda Ltd, David Nsubuga, presented marathon kits to the President of the Rotary Club of Kiwafu Breeze Muyenga, Erostus Nsubuga Njuki.
The event took place at Afro Park Hotel in Muyenga, the club’s weekly fellowship venue.
Speaking at the ceremony, Erostus Nsubuga applauded the initiative by Rotary Uganda and Promote Uganda Ltd, noting that it comes at a critical time when natural forest cover along the River Nile and Lake Victoria has significantly declined. He emphasized that the project aligns with Rotary’s commitment to environmental conservation.
In a show of support, Nsubuga purchased a large consignment of marathon kits—priced at UGX 50,000 for Rotarians and UGX 30,000 for Rotaractors—and pledged that his entire club would participate in the run.
On behalf of the organizers, David Nsubuga expressed gratitude to the National Forestry Authority (NFA) for allocating 250 acres of land for the project. He revealed that over 2 million trees will be planted under what is being described as the first-ever Rotary Peace Forest.
He explained that the project will also serve as an eco-tourism facility, providing a venue for Rotarians and other visitors to hold retreats and meetings, while generating income to support Rotary activities across Uganda.
The marathon, themed “Nature is Calling,” seeks to mobilize resources to restore ecosystems and protect water bodies from pollution. Organizers also plan to install plastic trap gates along water channels leading into the River Nile and Lake Victoria to prevent toxic waste from entering these vital water sources.
Additionally, the project will establish tree nursery beds and environmental education centers where school children and community members can learn practical conservation strategies.
The marathon will feature 5km, 10km, and 21km race categories. The Bishop of Busoga Diocese is expected to participate as the chief runner.
Organized groups and well-wishers are encouraged to support the initiative through various options, including sponsoring the planting of one acre of forest at UGX 2 million or funding the installation of plastic trap gates, estimated at between UGX 7 million and UGX 10 million.
The organizers acknowledged support from several partners, including the Ministry of Water and Environment, Nile Breweries Ltd, Promote Uganda Ltd, Rotary Uganda, the Buganda Kingdom, NBS TV, CBS Radio, and BBS TV, among others.
