The Makerere University Marathon is set to take place tomorrow Sunday, attracting athletes, students, and fitness enthusiasts from across Uganda. Participants will compete in multiple categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, and fun runs, catering to both seasoned runners and casual participants.
“This year, we expect a record turnout. All the tickets are fully sold out, and what is left is for people to turn up and take part,” said Edgar Tusiime, NCBA’s Head of Marketing and Communications.
The marathon will feature medical support stations, hydration points, and entertainment along the route to ensure safety and enjoyment for all.
Last week, NCBA Bank and Makerere University unveiled the official running kits for this year’s MakRun-Marathon. The run, which will be flagged of at the university’s Freedom Square, now enjoys a marathon status, featuring a full 42.2 km elite race alongside the ordinary 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km family walk categories.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and NCBA chief executive officer, Mark Anthony Muyobo, unveiled the new running kits at the university hall, challenging university students, corporate organisations and public officials to register for the event.
The new kits include a branded MakRun t-shirt, a runner’s bib, water bottles, wristbands, and other essential gear, carefully designed to offer both comfort and style for every participant.
Professor Nawangwe lauded NCBA for its support, emphasizing that proceeds from the marathon will fund critical student-support initiatives, including a dedicated Disability Support Centre, and equipping it with new assistive devices. He said the money will also be used to strengthen the scholarship fund, ensuring that no bright student drops out due to lack of fees.
“This year’s marathon continues our tradition of running for a Nobel cause. The unveiling of these kits, therefore, symbolizes our shared commitment to support student welfare and improve learning infrastructure,” he said.
Recently, NCBA Bank announced a UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship package for the MakRun, becoming the official title sponsor of the 2025 edition of the marathon.
According tom the bank, the five-year partnership signals a shared commitment to advancing education, promoting inclusion, and driving sustainable community development in Uganda.
NCBA bank Uganda CEO, Mark Muyobo said the Bank will engage its staff, customers, and partners to participate in the run, and promote environmental sustainability throughout the campaign.
Muyobo said that together with Makerere University, NCBA aims to empower students with disabilities, support disadvantaged but talented learners, promote healthy and active lifestyles among youth, and contribute significantly to the Endowment Fund to benefit future generations.
“We are proud to partner with Makerere University, because the MakRun is an event that champions access to education, health, and opportunity for all. At NCBA, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive real impact, and this sponsorship reaffirms our long-term commitment to education and nation-building,” he said.
The run aims to raise UGX 2 billion in support of student welfare, community development, and the university’s long-term sustainability efforts. Proceeds will go directly toward promoting active living among students and the surrounding community, supporting initiatives for students with disabilities, and contributing to the growth of the endowment fund.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the country and region, ranging from students and alumni to corporate teams and health and fitness enthusiasts.
Participants can collect their kits from designated collection points across the Makerere campus and other select locations in Kampala. Online registration for the run remains open via www.makrun.ac.ug, and members of the public are encouraged to register early to secure their kits.
