Uganda Wildlife Half Marathon Returns to Support Children of Fallen Rangers

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will on March 1 host the 8th Uganda Wildlife Half Marathon at Kitante Primary School Grounds in Kampala, bringing together runners, schools, and corporate sponsors to raise money for the children of wildlife rangers who died protecting the country’s natural heritage.

This year’s race runs under the theme “Running to Educate Children of the Fallen Rangers,” and proceeds will go into the Fallen Rangers Education Fund, which is currently supporting close to 150 children through school, from primary level all the way to university.

The marathon doubles as a curtain-raiser for World Wildlife Day, marked every year on March 3, and has grown into one of the most anticipated conservation events on the Ugandan calendar.

The impact of the Fallen Rangers Education Fund is no longer just a promise on paper. Some of its earliest beneficiaries have already completed their studies and are preparing to enter the job market, and organisers say this is exactly what the race was always meant to achieve.

Allan Kelechi, whose father was killed in the line of duty, is among those who benefited. “Since my father passed away, UWA has covered my school fees. I have completed my studies and am now awaiting graduation,” he said. “I am hopeful that my siblings, who are also supported by the fund, will succeed one day as well.”

Bashir Hangi, the Assistant Commissioner for Communications at UWA and head of the Marathon Committee, says public enthusiasm for the event has held firm over the years. “People continue to rally behind this cause year after year, and the impact on the lives of these children is real and measurable,” he said.

Participants will choose from a 21km competitive half marathon, a 10km run, or a 5km fun run suited to all ages and fitness levels. Individual registration costs between Shs 30,000 and Shs 50,000, primary schools will pay Shs 700,000, and secondary schools Shs 900,000. Corporate sponsors can come on board for between Shs 3 million and Shs 10 million.

Race kits are on sale at UWEC Entebbe Zoo, UWA Headquarters in Kamwokya, Sheraton Kampala, UTB Offices in Lugogo, and Wildlife Clubs Offices at the UMA Show Grounds in Nakawa.

The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, officially launched this year’s marathon alongside UWA’s Executive Director and the Chief Executive of the Uganda Tourism Board. National athletes and Miss Tourism Uganda were also present at the launch, reflecting the event’s standing as a occasion that brings sport, conservation, and national pride together in one place.

UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi has committed to improving the welfare of rangers going forward, with salary increases planned for the next financial year. “We are focusing on the welfare of our staff and promoting fairness in our operations,” he said.

Rangers work in some of the country’s most unforgiving terrain, taking on poachers, wildlife traffickers, and other threats that most Ugandans will never come close to. The half marathon is UWA’s annual reminder that these sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and that the families left behind will not be forgotten.