- Event: 1st Jinja City Marathon
- Date: Saturday, 24th May 2025
- Kit fee: Ug. Shs 25,000
- Categories: 2KM, 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, 42KM
- Start time: 6:30 AM
- Start & Finishing point: Jinja Rugby Grounds
- Theme: Run the Nile, explore Jinja, save a life
The inaugural Jinja City Marathon will take place on Saturday, 24th May 2025 with the start and finishing point at the Jinja Rugby grounds.
This marathon’s major objective is to help raise funds to further improve maternal health conditions within Jinja district.
Fundamental Initiative for Sustainable Transformation (FIST) Uganda is the brain behind the entire organization that also persuaded Busoga Kingdom to be part and parcel.
Nelson Balyejusa, the director of FIST Uganda confirmed that all the proceeds will go towards purchasing Baby Humidicribs and mama kits for health center IV’s in Jinja district.
The intended beneficiary health center IV’s will be in Bugembe, Budondo, Walukuba and Mpumudde as well as Jinja Referral hospital.
“As FIST Uganda, we have come up to organize the first ever edition of the Jinja City Marathon with the main objective of raising money to improve the conditions of health center IV’s in Jinja district. We lose mothers and babies during maternity, and we are ought to improve the situation” Balyejusa stated during the official launch at the Jinja Sailing Club.
Baba Television is the official media broadcast partner for the 2025 Jinja City Marathon whose theme-line is; “Run the Nile, explore Jinja, save a life”.
“It was a quick wise decision for Baba Television make so as to disseminate the message of improving maternal health in Jinja district. As a station, we are glad to serve the people of Busoga Kingdom and beyond. Maternal health ought to be given priority to save the lives of mothers and the newly born children” Alice Namatovu, CEO Baba Television remarked.
Baba Television was live throughout the official launch of this marathon at Jinja Sailing Club and will continue to promote the cause until the D-Day of the marathon.
The Kingdom of Busoga has wholesomely embraced this marathon and the official launch was graced by the second deputy prime minister of Busoga Kingdom Owek. Al Hajji Ahmed Osuman.
Owek.Osuman lauded the organizers of the Jinja City marathon that he believes will showcase the best of the Busoga Kingdom’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
“I want to thank the promoters of the Jinja City Marathon. This is one event that will foster unity among the people as it also promoted a healthy lifestyle. Jinja has a great cultural heritage, a hub of tourism that stimulates economic growth and development. Let us showcase the best of the Kingdom’s hospitality. Let us write with passion and pride of the Basoga people” Owek. Osuman revealed.
The proceeds from this marathon will be used to equip the health centers with life-saving supplies and equipment, support expectant mothers (ensure safe deliveries and better health care outcomes) and reduce maternal, infant mortality rates.
About Jinja city:
Jinja city, a famed tourists’ destination for the source of the Nile, Nile Bridge, among others is one place that many people yearn to visit that the runners will enjoy breathe-taking views of Jinja while running alongside participants of all walks of life
Race categories:
Runners will engage in a number of race distances ranging from the 2KM, 5KM, 10KM, half marathon (21 KM) to the full marathon (42 KM).
The 2KM race has been designed for the disabled persons.
Those who wish to do the fun run and family race will approach the 5KM event.
The 10KM race is for fitness lovers and amateur runners; the recreational runners who are looking for invigorating experience. A great way to stay active, enjoy outdoors, and be part of the excitement.
In the half marathon (21KM), it is a rewarding race for those seeking a mix of endurance and speed whilst the 42 KM race is for the seasoned athletes.
The launch was also attended by Alex Kiwanuka, a revenue officer in Jinja City, Bernard Mbayo (speaker of Jinja City), Jinja Tour Guides Association leaders, the Miss Tourism beauty queens of Busoga Kingdom among others.
For starters, Jinja city is nestled along the shores of the Lake Victoria.
Besides the source of the Nile, Jinja is a vibrant destination bursting with adventure, culture and natural beauty.
