Uganda Diplomatic Mission Backs Rwenzori Marathon Run at Zanzibar Tourism Forum
The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam co-organized and participated in the Rwenzori Marathon Activation Run on Wednesday at Diamonds Bijoux Beach in Zanzibar, leveraging sports diplomacy to market regional tourism.
The beach run was held as part of the Essence of Africa tourism forum to showcase the commercial and travel potential of athletics-led tourism across the continent.
Organized through a partnership between the forum and Uganda’s Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon, recognized as East Africa’s only World Athletics Label Road Race, the event featured a 5-kilometre beach walk and a 10-kilometre run along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Amos Wekesa, Founder of the Rwenzori Marathon and an Essence of Africa Advisory Panel member, led the run and shared the race's operational expansion.
Wekesa noted that the event grew from 800 participants at its 2022 inception to targeting 8,000 runners from 49 countries in 2026, demonstrating how sporting events drive demand for local hospitality, transportation, and extended safari circuits.
Regional tourism leaders highlighted that developing running tourism comes at a critical juncture as Africa prepares to host major international competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi.
The High Commission noted that its involvement reflects Uganda’s commitment to economic diplomacy and bilateral relations with Tanzania.
Diplomats used the platform to market destination Uganda, particularly the Rwenzori mountain ranges in Kasese, while pitching travel itineraries that pair inland adventure sports with Zanzibar’s coastal tourism assets.
