KCB Bank Uganda has unveiled the 2026 edition of the Kyambogo Ultra Run, committing Shs150 million to an event that is increasingly blending endurance sport with a strong message of inclusion for students with disabilities.
Scheduled for May 2 at Kyambogo University Cricket Oval Grounds, the annual race is positioning itself not just as a test of physical limits, but as a platform for social impact—this year focusing on raising awareness and support for students with disabilities at Kyambogo University.
Organisers say the 2026 edition marks a deliberate shift toward using sport to spotlight inclusion challenges within higher education institutions, while rallying communities around practical support and long-term change.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, KCB Bank Uganda Managing Director Edgar Byamah said the initiative reflects the bank’s broader commitment to building healthier and more inclusive communities.
“At KCB Bank, we believe that building strong communities and inclusivity starts with investing in the well-being of our people,” Byamah said. “At a time when many are becoming less physically active and increasingly disconnected from the community, platforms like the Kyambogo Ultra Run play a critical role in promoting healthier lifestyles and bringing communities together.”
The Kyambogo Ultra Run, founded in 2010, has grown from a modest local endurance challenge into one of Uganda’s most recognised long-distance running events. It now serves as a key preparatory race for athletes aiming to compete in the Comrades Marathon, widely regarded as the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon.
However, beyond its athletic appeal, organisers say the event has increasingly taken on a social dimension—using its visibility to address community issues.
Kyambogo Ultra Run CEO Julius Nkuraija said this year’s focus on disability inclusion was inspired by the need to highlight barriers faced by students and promote a more supportive campus environment.
“KCB Bank’s support has been instrumental in shaping the Kyambogo Ultra Run into a distinctive fitness challenge that promotes wellness, discipline and resilience,” Nkuraija said. “Beyond the run, it is building a strong community and fostering a culture of consistency and personal growth across our communities, which drove us to use this year’s platform to bring awareness to students with disabilities.”
The initiative is expected to draw attention to accessibility challenges, social stigma, and gaps in support systems that affect students with disabilities, while also mobilising stakeholders to contribute toward solutions.
KCB Bank Uganda, which has partnered with the Ultra Run since 2024, says its involvement is rooted in the belief that good health and social inclusion are critical to national productivity and development.
The bank’s Shs150 million sponsorship will support the organisation of the race, logistics, and awareness activities tied to this year’s theme. It also forms part of KCB’s wider investment in sports development across Uganda, including support for golf, rugby, motorsport, and volleyball, alongside community outreach programmes.
As part of efforts to increase participation, the bank has also introduced a simplified digital registration system. Participants can sign up and purchase race kits through KCB Pay by dialling *244*9# and entering the designated merchant code, a move aimed at improving accessibility and convenience.
The 2026 race will feature three categories—50 kilometres, 25 kilometres, and 10 kilometres—catering to both elite athletes and amateur runners. For many participants, particularly those eyeing international competitions, the event serves as a critical endurance benchmark.
The first wave of runners is expected to flag off at 6:00 AM from the Kyambogo University Cricket Oval Grounds, with organisers anticipating strong turnout from across the country.
Sports analysts note that the Kyambogo Ultra Run has, over the years, carved out a unique niche within Uganda’s athletics calendar, bridging grassroots participation with elite endurance training. Its growing alignment with international races like the Comrades Marathon has further elevated its profile among long-distance runners.
Yet, it is the event’s evolving social mission that is now drawing increased attention.
By centring the 2026 edition on disability inclusion, organisers hope to spark broader conversations about equity in education and the role institutions and communities must play in supporting vulnerable groups.
Participants and spectators alike are expected to engage not only in the physical challenge of the race but also in advocacy efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
As preparations intensify ahead of race day, KCB Bank Uganda maintains that its continued support for the Ultra Run reflects a long-term vision of empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and promoting holistic well-being.
With endurance, inclusion, and community at its core, the 2026 Kyambogo Ultra Run is shaping up to be more than just a race—it is a statement on the power of sport to drive social change.
