By Johannah Nantongo
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The Uganda Embassy in Ethiopia has stepped up efforts to market the 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, hosting a promotional run at Entoto Park that attracted more than 500 participants from Ethiopia’s sports, tourism and diplomatic communities.
The event formed part of Uganda’s commercial diplomacy agenda, which seeks to use sports as a platform to boost tourism, strengthen regional partnerships and expand trade opportunities.
The promotional run also coincided with another milestone in Uganda-Ethiopia relations, as officials announced the country’s first export of value-added processed beef to the Ethiopian market.
The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is scheduled to take place on August 22, 2026, in Kasese District at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The race is certified by World Athletics, enabling elite athletes to use qualifying times recorded during the event for entry into major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
Speaking during the launch, First Secretary at the Uganda Embassy in Addis Ababa, Daphine Teddy Nyanduri, said Ethiopia’s global reputation in long-distance running makes it an ideal partner in promoting Uganda as a destination for sports tourism.
She noted that sports diplomacy continues to play an important role in strengthening regional cooperation while creating new opportunities for tourism and business.
Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon founder Amos Wekesa said collaboration between government and the private sector has been instrumental in growing the event’s international profile. He added that a familiarisation tour organised earlier this year for Ethiopian tour operators and media personalities had generated significant interest ahead of the marathon.
Participants at the Entoto Park run welcomed the initiative, with several expressing interest in travelling to Uganda to take part in the race.
Officials from the embassy, including Financial Attaché Robert Sembule and Head of Public Diplomacy Margaret Kafeero, said the marathon has become an important vehicle for showcasing Uganda to international audiences while supporting tourism-led economic growth.
They also highlighted growing commercial ties between Uganda and Ethiopia, noting that Ranchers Finest Ltd. has commenced exports of premium processed beef to Ethiopia. The company is expected to supply about 20 metric tonnes of meat products every month to Diamond Hotel and Restaurant Group, further strengthening trade relations between the two countries.