Fort Portal – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division made a formidable impression at the first-ever Fort Portal City Marathon, reaffirming its commitment to civil-military cooperation and advancing tourism in the Tooro region.
This landmark marathon, scheduled to become an annual fixture every third weekend of July, was designed to highlight the natural beauty and cultural richness of Fort Portal and the broader Tooro area.
“This event is about showcasing the vibrancy of Fort Portal as a top tourism destination,” said Mr Stephen Mugabi, one of the lead organisers.
Participants competed in 5km, 10km, 20km, and 42km races. The UPDF Mountain Division fielded runners across all categories and emerged victorious in both the 42km and 5km races, demonstrating remarkable athletic performance.
His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro graced the event with his presence.
Addressing the gathering at Fort Portal Boma Grounds after the race, Colonel Sseguya, Division Operations and Training Officer, represented the Division Commander, Brigadier General Paul Muwonge. He noted that the prevailing peace in the Rwenzori region had created the enabling environment for such vibrant community engagements.
Col Sseguya attributed the region’s stability to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visionary leadership, which he said had transformed the UPDF into a professional force committed to safeguarding national security. “As UPDF, we remain committed to securing the region and the nation by deterring and neutralising threats such as the ADF,” said Col Sseguya. “Our goal is to maintain a stable and secure environment where communities can thrive in peace.”
Emphasising the health benefits of running, Col Sseguya observed that physical fitness is essential in military service and encouraged civilians to adopt regular exercise routines, whether at home or in gyms. “This marathon promotes not just health but unity between the military and civilians. In the Army, we call this CIMIC – Civil-Military Cooperation. We come together, share, and socialise. Indeed, sports is fun all through,” he added.
Numerous local companies and organisations participated, exhibiting their products and engaging with the public.
Sponsors of the event included Roke Telkom, Capital FM, Sumz Foods, Data Cities, Vision Group, Paxtel, NEC, UBC, and the UPDF Mountain Division.
