Top performers at the 2026 Makerere Run
42km
- Oscar Kibet
- Kipsisi Eibern
21km | Men
- James Kirwa
- Leonard Drileba
21km | Women
- Febia Chematai
10km Sprint
- Semmy Aproru
- Abel Aloki
5km Challenge
- Edian Nuwagaba
- Isaaci Ocen
3km Wheelchair Challenge
- Festus Kule Katende
- Lauben Kato
Oscar Kibet was the outstanding top performer in the 42.2km main race of the 2026 Makerere University Run.
Eibern Kipsis played second fiddle to earn silver.
The half marathon (22km) was won by James Kirwa and Febia Chemutai.
Leonard Drileba finished second in the 22km event.
In the 10km sprint, Semmy Aproru scooped gold ahead of Abel Aloki, while in the 5km challenge, Edian Nuwagaba was first ahead of Isaaci Ocen.
The 3km wheelchair challenge was won by Festus Kule Katende, who raced to the finishing line ahead of Lauben Kato.
The Makerere Marathon hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) returned for its sixth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting over 8,000 runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channelling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programmes while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The event has become one of Uganda’s largest inclusive runs, welcoming participants of all abilities.
This year’s event that started and finished at Freedom Square, featured a full 42.2km professional marathon alongside the 21km half marathon, 10km sprint, 5km challenge, and an inclusive 3km wheelchair challenge races.
The objectives of the marathon are: to promote active physical lifestyles and mental well-being amongst over 20,000 students, over 150,000 alumni, Makerere Community and city residents across Kampala; channel a portion of proceeds to equip the Disability Support Unit; and use a portion of proceeds to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students over the long term.
The 2026 Makerere University run was bankrolled by key partners led by NCBA Bank Uganda who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing education, healthy living and community development through the continued partnership with Makerere University, one of Uganda’s largest community sporting events.
The annual run brought together thousands of students, alumni, staff, corporate partners and members of the public, underscoring the shared commitment of the private sector and academia to promoting education, wellness and national development
The run was officially flagged off by the Speaker of Parliament for the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth.
He was flanked by Dr Chrispus Kiyonga, Second Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Chancellor of Makerere University, during the morning downpour.
Executive Director, NCBA Bank Uganda, Julius Konyani, emphasised the importance of partnerships.
At NCBA Bank Uganda, we believe that sustainable progress is built through meaningful partnerships. We are therefore proud that the funds raised through this year’s marathon will support the Makerere University Disability Support Unit through the provision of specialized assistive technologies and learning equipment. This initiative aligns with our Change the Story agenda, through which we invest in education, sports and sustainable community development. For more than a century, Makerere University has produced leaders who have transformed communities, institutions and economies across the continent. Supporting the Makerere Marathon is therefore an investment not only in today’s participants but also in the future generations who will benefit from a stronger and better-resourced university.
Julius Konyani, Executive Director, NCBA Bank Uganda
According to Konyani, this event is not just about crossing a finish line. It is also about promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging active communities and demonstrating what can be achieved when institutions, businesses and individuals unite around a shared purpose.
“The marathon is not only about completing a race. It is about promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering resilience and demonstrating the values of discipline, teamwork, determination and excellence. These are values that resonate strongly with us at NCBA and guide our commitment to the customers and communities we serve,” Konyani said.
The bank noted that the event aligns with its broader Corporate Social Investment strategy, which focuses on education, youth empowerment, sports development, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.
According to Konyani, initiatives such as the Makerere Run demonstrate how partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions can generate lasting value for communities while encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.
In July, NCBA pledged UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years to support the marathon and the impact projects it funds.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships that contribute to Uganda’s long-term development while creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
“Today, thousands of people have come together from different backgrounds, with one common purpose. Whether you are a student, alumnus, lecturer, corporate partner, athlete or first-time participant, your presence demonstrates the power of collective action in creating positive change,” Konyani said.
“To all the participants, thank you for choosing to be part of this important cause. Every step you took today contributes to improving educational opportunities while inspiring healthier and more active communities,” he added.
As the country’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning, Makerere University has in recent years placed inclusive development at the heart of its long-term strategic vision.
