Makerere University is elevating this year’s edition of the annual MakRun to a fully professional-level event following the announcement of a UGX1.45 billion sponsorship deal from NCBA Bank Uganda. The university officials told journalists at a briefing on Wednesday that participants for this year’s run will have the opportunity to tackle a full 42.2 km elite marathon, complete with international timing and closed, traffic-free courses, alongside the well-loved 21 km half-marathon. Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed NCBA Bank’s “generous gift,†noting that proceeds from this year’s MakRun, scheduled for August 17, 2025, will go directly toward equipping the Disability Support Centre with new assistive devices, and strengthening the scholarship fund, in order to ensure that no bright student drops out due to lack of fees. “Gone are the logistical headaches of past years. Now we have the resources to deliver a first-class event, but also support students who need help in various ways,†he said. Prof. Nawangwe said in the buildup to the marathon, the MakRun Club will host weekly Wednesday fun runs to energize students and the wider community, while the University Clinic will offer pre-race medical screenings to ensure all participants are race-ready. He added that on the race day, the marathon events will be followed by family-friendly sports activities, karaoke, and dance competitions, culminating in the vibrant MakGroove2025 concert at Freedom Square. Mark Muyobo, CEO of NCBA Bank Uganda, said the bank’s decision was driven by a belief in equity and the power of education, adding that NCBA was excited to support what is now a professionally managed event. “At NCBA, we believe disability is not inability. We believe that all students, if given a fair opportunity, can succeed. That’s why we’re proud to walk—and run—this journey with Makerere,†he said. Muyobo said that together with Makerere University, NCBA Bank Uganda aims to empower students with disabilities, support disadvantaged but talented learners, promote healthy and active lifestyles among youth, and contribute significantly to the Endowment Fund to benefit future generations. The five-year partnership positions NCBA Bank Uganda as the official title sponsor of the MakRun, organized annually to mobilize resources for student scholarships, enhance learning infrastructure, and support community outreach programs. Dr. Maggie Kigozi, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF), said the Mak-run is expected to attract elite runners from across the East Africa region, and elevate the MakRun from a community event to a premier platform for both professional and aspiring runners from Uganda and beyond. “We are making this run professional, and that is why we are rebranding it the MakRun –marathon. We will have the professional 42.2km marathon, but those looking for a shorter challenge can choose a 10 km run,” she said. “Families, elderly people and first-time joggers can join the 5 km fun run, because this will be a top-tier experience for athletes of every level,†she added.
