Uganda Athletics confirms massive tree planting campaign prior to celebrations to mark 100 years

As part of the celebrations to mark 100 years of existence, Uganda Athletics has lined up several activities to make the event memorable.

A massive tree planting campaign around Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and the nearby schools has been confirmed according to Namayo Mawerere, the assistant secretary general.

“We plan to plant around 10,000 trees on the eve of the main celebrations around the different schools in Bweyogerere, Banda and Kireka; and at Mandela National Stadium. We are mindful of creating a legacy towards a good environment,” Mawerere who was flanked by the president Dominic Otuchet and publicist Muhammed Abdallah remarked.

Athletics Uganda has organized a Mega Fete to celebrate 100 years of existence on Saturday, 7th May 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The annual Akii Bua memorial invitational meet shall be held, starting at 8 a.m. with a number of international invitations for athletes from Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

For starters, Akii Bua is the legendary Ugandan athlete who won gold at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, when he set a world record in the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 47.82.

The Akii Bua Memorial Invitational meet is now a bronze-level event, given the hefty $50,000 in total that will be distributed to the top performers on the day.

There are 10 events lined up on the day with sprints, middle distance and field activities Long Jump, Javelin and Shot Put).

100M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 5000M, 400M hurdles will be run for both genders (see official start lists).

There will also be a mass race at 8 am (10 KM) with the top ten assured of prizes.

The guest list of officials invited has members of parliament, officials from Uganda Olympic Committee, the National Council of Sports, government and private agencies, sponsors and others.

The state minister for sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, will be the chief guest.