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When a small group of adventurers led by tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa stood atop the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains in June 2022, they carried more than climbing gear.

They carried an idea.

At the summit, Wekesa and his team raised the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon flag, marking the symbolic beginning of what would become one of East Africa’s fastest-growing sports tourism events.

“When we raised that flag, many people thought it was an ambitious dream. But we believed the Rwenzori deserved an event that could showcase the beauty of the region to the world. Looking back now, it is remarkable to see how far that vision has come,” says Wekesa.

Four years later, that idea has evolved into a movement.

The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has grown from an ambitious concept into a globally recognised race that attracts thousands of runners, fills hotels across Kasese, creates business opportunities for local communities and places Uganda’s tourism potential before international audiences.

Yet perhaps its greatest achievement is how many different people now call it their own.

The birth of a vision

Following the summit expedition, organisers Equator Hikes and title sponsor Tusker Lite unveiled the marathon at a press briefing at Margherita Hotel in Kasese.

The concept was simple but ambitious: create an event that combined sport, tourism, lifestyle and celebration against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain ranges.

At the launch, Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Head of Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited, said the partnership reflected Tusker Lite’s commitment to active living and creating opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.

“As a low-carb beer, Tusker Lite is made for people who enjoy active lifestyles. This marathon allows participants to push themselves on the course and then come together afterwards to celebrate and connect responsibly,” she said.

The first edition, held on September 3, 2022, was far from easy.

Runners battled rain, mud and difficult terrain throughout the course. But those conditions ended up becoming part of the event’s identity.

For many participants, the challenge distinguished the race from traditional city marathons.

The local community embraced it immediately.

Villages along the route turned into cheering stations, while residents lined the roads to encourage runners navigating the demanding course.

When the race ended, the celebrations began.

Runners, residents and visitors gathered for an after-party that would eventually evolve into the now-famous Tusker Lite Neon Raves, adding a lifestyle dimension that helped set the event apart from many other races on the continent.

The race begins to transform a region

By the second edition, it was becoming clear that the marathon was growing beyond expectations.

More runners registered. More spectators turned up. More organisations came on board as partners.

Kasese itself began to feel the impact.

Hotels welcomed visitors from across Uganda and beyond. Restaurants, transport operators and small businesses experienced increased activity as marathon weekend became one of the busiest periods on the local calendar.

Road improvements around parts of the route also changed the race experience, making sections of the course more accessible while preserving the scenery that had become one of the marathon’s major attractions.

Participation crossed the 1,000-runner mark, cementing the event’s position among Uganda’s leading road races.

“What excites me most is that the marathon has become bigger than the race itself. It has become a platform for tourism, for local businesses, for athletes and for communities. Every year you see more people discovering Kasese for the first time and leaving with a completely different perspective of the region,” says Wekesa.

The wider economic impact has been quantified by a Makerere University Tourism Research and Development Centre study, it estimated that the marathon generated more than Shs3.5 billion for the Kasese economy during its 2023 event weekend.

The report cited increased tourism activity, higher hotel occupancy, growth in small businesses, job creation and greater visibility for the region.

For many local businesses, the marathon had become more than a sporting event. It had become an economic opportunity.

A platform for bigger dreams

The third edition marked an important milestone when the race route received certification from World Athletics following assessment by course measurer Gavin Wright.

For organisers, it was validation of years of work.

For athletes, it created new possibilities.

Among those who benefited was Abel Chelangat, who won the men’s 42-kilometre race in 2:14:59.

The significance of that performance extended well beyond the prize money.

“For elite athletes, a certified course changes everything. It means your time is recognised internationally and can open doors to bigger races. Winning in Kasese gave me confidence, but more importantly it gave me a performance that I could use as I pursued opportunities abroad,” Chelangat says.

Armed with a certified marathon time, Chelangat went on to compete strongly in races such as Porto Marathon, Riyadh Marathon, Rabat Marathon and Barcelona Marathon.

His story became one of the clearest examples of how the marathon was helping Ugandan athletes access opportunities on bigger stages.

Other runners also leveraged certified results from Kasese to improve rankings, secure sponsorship opportunities and attract interest from athletic clubs.

What began as a race in the shadow of the Rwenzoris was increasingly becoming a launchpad for athletic careers.

The world arrives in Kasese

The fourth edition represented another leap forward.

According to figures from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, more than 3,500 runners from 56 countries participated in the marathon.

For one weekend, Kasese became a global meeting point.

Athletes shared roads with first-time runners. International visitors mingled with local communities. Adventure seekers explored the Rwenzori Mountains while revellers filled entertainment venues after the race.

“One of the most rewarding things for us has been watching the marathon evolve from an ambitious concept into a platform with real impact. Through the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, we have seen Kasese attract thousands of visitors, create opportunities for local businesses and gain visibility on the international stage. That growth belongs to many stakeholders, but it demonstrates the powerful role that sport can play in driving tourism and community development,” says Mutamuliza.

The event also attracted growing institutional support.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces assured participants of security during the event, while the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Uganda Tourism Board highlighted the marathon as an important platform for showcasing Uganda’s tourism potential.

The impact was visible throughout the district.

Accommodation facilities reached full occupancy, while demand for rooms surged dramatically as visitors poured into the region.

“Before the marathon, August was just another period on the calendar. Today, it is one of our busiest times of the year. We start receiving bookings many months in advance and many visitors stay longer to explore the area,” says Maureen Nankya, one of the business owners in Kasese.

What had started as a race was increasingly functioning as a tourism and lifestyle ecosystem.

“The marathon has shown that sport can be a powerful driver of economic activity. Hotels are full, tour operators are busy, and restaurants are serving visitors from dozens of countries. That is the kind of impact we hoped for when we started,” says Wekesa.

The next chapter

Now, as preparations continue for the fifth edition scheduled for August 22, the marathon stands on the threshold of another milestone.

The event has achieved Label Status and secured inclusion on the World Athletics Calendar, placing it among races recognised for meeting international standards in route quality, athlete experience and event organisation.

The recognition significantly enhances the race’s visibility among elite athletes and global running communities.

A USD1 million prize kitty, recently announced by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, is expected to further elevate the event’s profile.

For Tusker Lite, the journey from a flag raised on a mountain summit to a globally recognised sporting platform reflects years of investment in a vision that connected active living, tourism and celebration.

“As Uganda Breweries, we have always believed that the communities around us should grow alongside our business. One of the things we are most proud of about the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is seeing the impact it has had beyond race day. Over the years, Kasese has welcomed thousands of visitors, local businesses have benefited from increased activity, and the region has gained visibility on the global stage. Knowing that the marathon has contributed to changing fortunes for many people in the area is incredibly rewarding for us,” says Mutamuliza.

For athletes, it has become a pathway to bigger opportunities.

For businesses, it has become an important economic driver.

Yet, for Kasese, it is a source of pride and international visibility.

And for the thousands of runners who have crossed its finish line over the past four years, the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has become proof that some of the biggest journeys begin with a single idea.

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By Michael Jjingo

A man once declared every New Year’s Eve, “This is my year!” Yet by March, the only thing growing in his life was his WhatsApp status collection of motivational quotes. His dreams were taller than our Crested Towers, but his actions were shorter than a cup. It is painfully true, that many people admire success the way guests admire lions in a zoo, from a safe distance.

The world today is full of dreamers, planners, talkers, and strategy champions. But the greatest difference between those who succeed and those who remain spectators in life is simple: action. Believing in oneself is one of the greatest powers a human being can possess, yet belief alone without movement becomes wishful thinking. Hope is psychologically healthy, but hope without strategy is like trying to harvest maize from a garden that was never planted.

The leadership expert John Maxwell wrote, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” That statement summarizes one of life’s deepest truths. Every human being desires a better life, greater income, improved relationships, stronger health, and meaningful achievement. Every January, people make resolutions. Then, Gym memberships increase. Business plans are written. Year resolutions are posted online. But by March, many dreams quietly die because they were never matched with disciplined execution and persistence.

Well, Psychologists refer to an important concept called, Psychological capital, which includes hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy. These four pillars shape how people respond to challenges and opportunities. Hope helps people see possibilities. Optimism helps them expect better outcomes. Resilience enables them to recover from setbacks. Self-efficacy gives them confidence that they can succeed. Together, these qualities create the mental strength necessary for growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught the world many painful but valuable lessons. Businesses collapsed, schools closed, salaries disappeared, and uncertainty shook every nation. Yet, strangely, the crisis also opened people’s eyes. Many teachers who were confined at home during school lockdowns discovered hidden entrepreneurial talents. Some entered farming. Others started businesses, baking enterprises, poultry projects, boda-boda delivery services, and small retail ventures. What looked like destruction became a doorway to innovation.

History has repeatedly shown that problems often carry hidden opportunities. The author Robert Kiyosaki wrote in, Rich Dad Poor Dad, “In the middle of every problem lies an opportunity.” Indeed, difficult seasons force human beings to think differently. Comfort rarely produces creativity. Sometimes, pressure introduces us to abilities we never knew we possessed.

Faith also plays a critical role in sustaining hope. The Holy Bible, James 2:26 teaches that “faith without action is dead.” This powerful scripture reminds believers that prayer, dreams, and positive confessions must be accompanied by deliberate effort. A farmer may pray for a harvest, but unless he plants seeds, weeds the garden, and waters the crops, prayer alone cannot produce maize. Faith gives courage during uncertainty. Hope strengthens the mind during adversity. But action moves dreams into reality.

Resilience is equally important in the journey toward success. Observe a child learning how to walk. The child falls repeatedly, sometimes painfully, but keeps attempting again and again. Eventually, the same child who once struggled to stand begins running around the house creating noise and confusion. Human growth works the same way. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the process.

The celebrated leader Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” One business failure or a rejected proposal should not bury a person’s destiny. One rejection utterance should not destroy confidence. One unsuccessful interview should not define a lifetime. Many successful entrepreneurs failed repeatedly before they achieved breakthrough success.

Fear, however, remains one of humanity’s greatest enemies. Fear whispers dangerous lies into the human mind: “You are not good enough,” “You will embarrass yourself,” or “Others are better than you.” Sadly, many dreams die not because people lacked talent, but because they feared beginning.

An ancient Chinese proverb wisely states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The first step may appear small, uncomfortable, or uncertain, but it carries enormous power. Every successful company, every great business, every influential career, and every respected leader once started as a small idea in someone’s mind.

Self-efficacy, the belief that one can succeed, is essential. People who believe they can overcome obstacles often perform better than equally talented individuals who constantly doubt themselves. Confidence does not mean arrogance. It means trusting that with effort, learning, discipline, and persistence, improvement is possible.

Unfortunately, toxic and negative people often weaken this confidence. Some individuals criticize every dream, mock every ambition, kill every innovation and predict failure before efforts even begin. Spending too much time around chronic negativity is like planting flowers in acidic soil. Personal growth requires environments that encourage possibility, accountability, and positive thinking.

The motivational speaker, Les Brown famously declared, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Those words encourage people to dare greatly rather than live small lives imprisoned by fear and excuses. You could have heard, “Eat the biggest toad!”

In conclusion, life rewards movement. Dreams that are never acted upon remain fantasies. Hope without strategy becomes empty excitement. Faith without work becomes idle imagination. But when belief, resilience, faith, discipline, and action combine, extraordinary transformation becomes possible. The world does not belong to those who merely wish. It belongs to those who dare, who rise after failure, who silence fear, and who take the first courageous step. Believe in yourself. Hope positively. Pray faithfully. Think optimistically. But above all, act relentlessly.

The writer is the General Manager Commercial Banking at Centenary Bank

 

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Equity Group has joined forces with the AfricaNenda Foundation and the Gates Foundation to accelerate the rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across Africa, a move aimed at making financial services more accessible, improving digital payments and boosting cross-border trade.

The partnership, unveiled in Nairobi on Tuesday, will begin in Rwanda before expanding to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. It will bring together governments, regulators and private sector players to develop interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identity platforms and secure data-sharing systems that allow people and businesses to access financial services more easily.

As part of the initiative, Equity Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi has been appointed Africa’s first Continental Digital Public Infrastructure Champion. In the new role, he will spearhead efforts to promote collaboration between governments, development partners and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.

The three organisations say the partnership comes at a time when Africa has made remarkable progress in mobile money adoption but millions of people remain outside the formal financial system. Nearly 400 million Africans still lack access to regulated financial services.

They believe stronger digital infrastructure will help close that gap by making financial transactions cheaper, faster and more secure while encouraging innovation and economic growth.

AfricaNenda Chief Executive Officer Dr Robert Ochola said meaningful implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure depends on active participation from the private sector.

“Digital Public Infrastructure cannot succeed without private-sector participation. Equity brings the execution capability, market reach and innovation needed to move this agenda from policy to implementation,” Ochola said.

The partnership will focus on expanding interoperable payment systems, improving merchant and government payment platforms, supporting seamless cross-border transactions, providing technical expertise and working with policymakers to accelerate the adoption of digital infrastructure across the continent.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Mwangi described Digital Public Infrastructure as a key driver of Africa’s next phase of economic growth.

“Digital Public Infrastructure provides the foundation for inclusive digital financial services that reach every citizen. We will continue working with governments, regulators, development partners and the private sector because this infrastructure has the potential to transform economies, expand opportunity and improve lives across Africa,” he said.

The partners also said the initiative will strengthen the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making cross-border payments more efficient and enabling trusted digital identity and secure information exchange between participating countries. They expect this to lower transaction costs, simplify trade and unlock new business opportunities across Africa.

The Gates Foundation said its support is intended to ensure that Digital Public Infrastructure delivers tangible benefits to ordinary citizens by improving access to essential digital services, rather than serving only as a technology initiative.

Senior Advocacy Officer for Africa at the Gates Foundation, Nanjira Sambuli, said the ultimate goal is to use digital infrastructure to expand financial inclusion and improve people’s everyday lives.

AfricaNenda currently works with more than 30 central banks across Africa to strengthen instant payment systems. Through the new partnership with Equity Group, the organisation hopes to fast-track practical digital infrastructure solutions that can be replicated in multiple countries.

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By Brian Mugenyi | mugenyijj@gmail.com

Key Takeaways

• A Powerful Transition: Land once used as an infamous illegal crossing point for smugglers has been transformed into a lifesaving medical hub.

• Massive Outreach: The facility successfully provided vital medical care to approximately 2,000 patients in January 2026.

• Proactive Local Governance: Busia Municipal Council is actively stepping up to bridge infrastructural gaps, optimizing solar power and scaling up transport resources.

BUSIA MUNICIPALITY — In a striking tale of transformation, a notorious border patch in Busia that was once a preferred corridor for cross-border smugglers has been successfully converted into a bustling healthcare hub, bringing vital medical services to thousands of residents and regional travelers.

Sofia Health Centre III, established under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration through a strategic Sh1.39 billion central government investment, marked a major milestone by treating approximately 2,000 patients in January 2026 alone.

Where illicit goods used to move in the dark, a state-of-the-art facility now stands on 1.2 hectares of gazetted land, anchoring a critical healthcare safety net for a fast-growing catchment population of 32,150 people.

Serving Travelers and Traders Legally

Located in one of East Africa’s busiest border zones, the facility has adapted seamlessly to the high-stakes demands of a highly mobile frontier population.

Instead of policing illegal trade, local authorities are now managing regional health equity. Because of the facility’s affordability and modern standard of care, it has become a preferred point of care for both Ugandan and Kenyan traders, truck drivers, and cross-border travelers.

According to Busia District Communication Officer Moses Mangen, the strategic positioning of Sofia HCIII has successfully acted as a pressure valve for the district’s medical system, significantly reducing congestion at the older Busia Health Centre IV.

“The highly mobile nature of a border town means we face constant pressure from conditions like respiratory illnesses, malaria, and non-communicable diseases,” Mangen explained. “Having this hub right at the point of entry is a massive win for regional health security.”

Local Government Steps Up to Close the Gaps

To match the skyrocketing success and high patient traffic of the facility, the Busia Local Government has aggressively leaned in to handle immediate operational needs, bypassing bureaucratic delays.

While the facility operates with a lean but highly dedicated team of 15 medical professionals, the municipal administration has actively streamlined workflows and mobilized local resources to optimize daily operations.

Acting In-Charge Mr. Idro Basir confirmed that local government interventions are already bearing fruit:

• Power Optimization: Municipal technicians are actively expanding and maximizing the facility’s existing solar capacity to fully safeguard overnight maternity and delivery services while final grid connectivity is fast-tracked.

• Logistical Support: The municipal structures are currently reviewing local resource reallocations to secure a dedicated motorcycle for village vaccine distribution and emergency outreach programs.

“Our local leaders are incredibly responsive,” Basir noted. “They are actively working with us to ensure that shortages do not compromise our ability to deliver quality care.”

The complete pivot from a hotspot of illegal activity to a sanctuary for healing has won immense praise from local residents. Patients report drastically reduced waiting times and a level of medical privacy that far exceeds older, congested regional clinics.

This seamless alignment between central infrastructure and proactive local governance directly mirrors the Ministry of Health’s national agenda to empower Health Centre IIIs to de-escalate pressure on major referral hospitals.

As Busia Municipality continues to thrive as an international commercial gateway, Sofia Health Centre III stands as a proud testament to progress—vibrantly proving that when local government steps up to back national investment, a former lawless crossing can become a community’s greatest asset.

If Vinka ever records an international album, she already knows the African stars she wants to collaborate with.

Speaking to YouTuber Frank Ntambi, the Ugandan singer revealed that Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz tops her wish list, saying his music and performance style complement her own.

Diamond Platnumz is a dancer, and some of his songs are easy to vibe to. I am also that kind of artist, so I think a collaboration between us would be memorable.

She also named Fally Ipupa, Davido, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Tyler ICU, Kamo Mphela, and Rwandan singer Element Eleéeh as artists she would love to work with.

Despite the star-studded wish list, Vinka believes those collaborations are well within reach.

If it comes to working with African artists, I do not think the dream is too far. Fans should keep wishing for it.

For now, fans can only imagine what an international Vinka album featuring some of Africa’s biggest stars would sound like.

Three members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) have openly challenged their Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, leading to a public dispute that has attracted widespread attention. In response, Wangadya granted an interview in which she detailed the challenges she has faced while working with the commissioners and alleged that they are being supported by a group of Members of Parliament whom she previously reported to the President over corruption allegations. Her remarks sparked significant public debate after a video of the interview circulated widely on social media.

Speaking to the media on July 3, 2026, Wangadya said she had been warned about difficulties she would encounter at the Commission even before assuming office in 2021. According to her, the warning came immediately after her parliamentary vetting.

She recounted that two MPs escorted her after the vetting process, and one of them cautioned her that a fellow commissioner would make every effort to undermine her leadership. Wangadya said she was warned that she would face constant criticism, disrespect, intimidation, and attempts to damage her reputation. She noted that the prediction eventually became reality.

The Chairperson explained that her first interaction with the commissioner in question convinced her that the working relationship would be difficult. She alleged that the commissioner boasted about having previously written a report that contributed to the removal of former Energy Minister Irene Muloni from Cabinet after it was submitted to the President.

Wangadya said she had never experienced such a hostile working environment in her professional career. She claimed that the commissioner repeatedly informed her that there were several files allegedly opened against her by security agencies, including the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

Despite those claims, she maintained that she remained calm because she had nothing to hide. She emphasized that since joining government service in 1996, neither her conduct nor her loyalty to the country had ever been questioned. She further alleged that she was frequently reminded that she was an outsider because she was not born in Western Uganda and was repeatedly told that she would not complete her six-year term as UHRC Chairperson.

The Chairperson also accused some commissioners of fueling reports suggesting that she was under investigation. She dismissed the reports as part of what she described as a coordinated smear campaign involving three commissioners and politicians whom she had earlier reported to the President over alleged bribery demands.

According to Wangadya, the MPs involved have used the commissioners as instruments to intimidate and discredit her. She argued that the sustained campaign against her could not have been organized without substantial financial and political backing.

She alleged that one of the MPs against whom she had previously testified in court was heavily supporting the campaign against her. She further claimed that the effort was being amplified by a media outlet she accused of promoting ethnic bias in its coverage.

Wangadya said that although President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni later forgave the MPs involved, they had never accepted her role in exposing the matter. She insisted that she had done nothing wrong and was simply carrying out her duties as required by law.

The Chairperson appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reconsider a case in which she was the complainant. She noted that she had already testified and was prepared to undergo cross-examination before the prosecution was discontinued.

According to her, reopening the case would allow the truthfulness of her statements to be tested in court. She maintained that she was ready to defend everything she had told the President and investigators if given the opportunity.

She further stated that if the case could not be revived, she would like permission to make public an audio recording that she believes would help explain the source of the hostility directed at her.

During the interview, Wangadya also addressed President Museveni regarding the appointment of leaders to the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She emphasized that the Commission has a broad constitutional mandate to protect and promote the rights of Ugandans and therefore requires competent and credible leadership.

She expressed concern that some individuals appointed to the Commission do not meet the standards envisioned by the Constitution. Referring to Article 51, she noted that commissioners are expected to be persons of high moral character and proven integrity.

Wangadya said she wished the appointing authority had placed greater emphasis on those constitutional requirements when selecting members of the Commission.

Reflecting on her public service career, she pointed out that she has served the country for three decades, including eight years as Deputy Inspector General of Government and a period as Acting IGG.

She stated that throughout her career she had consistently rejected bribes and resisted pressure from influential individuals seeking favors. According to her, politicians had on several occasions attempted to influence investigations and prosecutions, but she refused to compromise her principles.

Wangadya argued that if she were truly corrupt, as some media reports have suggested, she would have accumulated substantial wealth long ago because she had many opportunities to accept large sums of money during her years at the Inspectorate of Government.

She also dismissed allegations that she had misappropriated funds at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, arguing that the institution operates on a limited budget and does not possess the kind of resources being suggested by her critics.

The Chairperson reiterated that even if she were inclined toward corruption—which she firmly denied—the Commission’s financial situation would make such allegations implausible.

She reminded the public that she served as Deputy IGG from August 2013 to August 2021 and also spent several months as Acting IGG. Throughout that period, she said, she maintained a record of integrity and professionalism.

Concluding her remarks, Wangadya urged journalists and media organizations to approach the matter responsibly by verifying allegations before publishing them. She specifically encouraged the media to consult the Inspectorate of Government regarding claims that she is under investigation, noting that her experience at the institution gives her a clear understanding of its procedures and practices.

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Global music icon Rihanna has earned praise online after comforting a woman undergoing cancer treatment during a chance encounter at a grocery store.

The emotional moment began when the woman told Rihanna she felt self-conscious because she was not wearing her wig while undergoing cancer treatment.

Rihanna quickly reassured her and encouraged her not to be so hard on herself.

You do not look terrible… Any time you meet somebody, do not do that sh*t. You are fire.

The woman thanked Rihanna for her kindness as the two continued chatting.

They also shared a light-hearted moment after discovering they shared the same first name, Robyn.

Videos of the encounter quickly spread across social media, where fans applauded Rihanna for taking the time to encourage a stranger.

Many described the exchange as a powerful reminder that a few sincere words of encouragement can have a lasting impact on someone facing a difficult time.