The second edition of the Mbarara City Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Mbarara, Uganda, was abruptly cancelled on the morning of the event, leaving hundreds of runners and supporters stranded and disappointed. The unexpected cancellation has triggered widespread frustration and criticism directed at the organizers, particularly CEO Dickens Friday Kaka of Gaga Athletics Association Limited, over what many describe as poor planning and broken promises.

High Expectations for Tourism and Community Growth

In the weeks leading up to the marathon, the event was heavily promoted as more than just a race. Organizers presented it as a major community and tourism initiative aimed at promoting wellness, fitness, and unity while showcasing Mbarara’s culture and heritage. The marathon was set to begin at the Mugaba Heritage Site, also known as the Ankole Palace, symbolizing regional pride and identity.

Sponsors such as Tusker Lite and Stanbic Bank were highlighted, alongside support from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. More than 1,000 runners were expected to participate, including professional athletes, corporate teams, and community members who had trained for months in preparation for the event. Many families and young people viewed the marathon as a symbol of progress and an opportunity to put Western Uganda on the national sports and tourism map.

Organizers had assured participants of proper logistics, including kit distribution, medical support, ambulances, and coordinated race management. The marathon was also expected to boost the local economy through increased tourism, accommodation bookings, and business activity in Mbarara City.

What Went Wrong

Reports indicate that Uganda Athletics, the national governing body for athletics, stepped in and cancelled the event due to several organizational and regulatory failures. Authorities cited failure by the organizers to follow proper guidelines and coordinate with the Mbarara City Athletics Association, as well as concerns over safety and authorization.

One of the major issues raised was the insistence on holding the marathon on a Saturday instead of the preferred Sunday, which reportedly created scheduling and regulatory conflicts. Uganda Athletics also raised concerns about inadequate safety preparations, lack of proper police coordination for traffic and crowd control, and failure to meet key obligations required to host a mass sporting event.

The situation escalated when police in Mbarara arrested Dickens Friday Kaka for allegedly violating directives issued by the athletics governing body. Reports further indicate that attempts were made to proceed with the event despite rainy conditions and lack of official clearance, resulting in confusion at the starting point.

Hundreds of runners who had travelled from different parts of Uganda gathered at Mugaba Heritage Site only to learn that the marathon had been cancelled. Some sources suggest that over 500 participants were directly affected, with many left stranded and frustrated after investing time, money, and energy into preparation.

Public Outcry and Accusations

The cancellation quickly sparked outrage on social media and across local news platforms, with many participants expressing heartbreak and anger. Several runners and supporters accused the organizers of creating hype, collecting sponsorship funds and participation payments, and failing to deliver a properly organized event.

Some reactions reflected deep feelings of betrayal, especially from young runners and families who had sacrificed time and resources to prepare for the marathon. Concerns about possible misuse of sponsorship funds and lack of transparency have also been raised, with calls for accountability and investigation into how the event was managed.

Impact on Mbarara and the Ankole Region

The failed marathon is seen as a major setback for Mbarara and the wider Ankole region, which stands to benefit greatly from well-organized sporting events. City marathons have the potential to boost tourism, promote local businesses, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create positive national and international attention.

Instead, the cancellation has damaged public trust, wasted resources spent on travel and accommodation, and raised fears that sponsors and participants may hesitate to support future events in the region. The incident highlights the risks of poor planning and weak coordination in large-scale community events.

A Call for Accountability and Better Standards

With the CEO arrested and Uganda Athletics officially cancelling the marathon, many stakeholders are now calling for transparency and accountability. There are growing demands for investigations into the handling of funds, proper regulation of future sporting events, and stricter enforcement of organizational standards.

City marathons and community sporting events require careful planning, coordination with authorities, safety protocols, and honest communication with participants. When these elements are ignored, the result is not just a cancelled event but a loss of trust and opportunity for an entire community.

For the runners, families, volunteers, and residents of Mbarara who believed in the marathon, the disappointment remains significant. Many hope this incident will serve as a lesson and push organizers across Uganda to uphold higher standards, ensuring that future events deliver on their promises and truly unite communities through sport.