NCBA Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to education, healthy living, and community development through its continued partnership with the Makerere University Marathon, with funds raised through the 2026 edition set to support assistive technologies and learning equipment for the university’s Disability Support Unit. The sixth edition of the marathon, held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” brought together more than 8,000 participants, including students, alumni, university staff, corporate teams, elite athletes, and members of the public .
A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose
Speaking at the conclusion of the event at Freedom Square, NCBA Bank Uganda Executive Director Julius Konyani emphasized that strategic partnerships between businesses and institutions are critical to delivering sustainable social impact.
“At NCBA Bank Uganda, we believe that sustainable progress is built through meaningful partnerships. We are therefore proud that the funds raised through this year’s marathon will support the Makerere University Disability Support Unit through the provision of specialised assistive technologies and learning equipment,” Konyani said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with NCBA’s “Change the Story” agenda, which focuses on investing in education, sports, and sustainable community development .Konyani also highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting healthier lifestyles and building stronger communities. “The marathon is not only about completing a race. It is about promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering resilience and demonstrating the values of discipline, teamwork, determination and excellence. These values resonate strongly with us at NCBA and guide our commitment to the customers and communities we serve,” he stated . In July 2025, NCBA pledged Shs1.45 billion over five years to support the marathon and its associated community projects .
The Race and Its Winners
The 2026 Makerere Marathon featured five race categories: the full 42.2-kilometre professional marathon, a 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre sprint, a 5-kilometre challenge, and an inclusive 3-kilometre wheelchair race . According to organisers, Oscar Kibet and Eibern Kipsisi were the leading finishers in the full marathon. James Kirwa and Leonard Drileba led the men’s half marathon, and Febia Chematai won the women’s race. Semmy Aproru and Abel Aloki won the 10km, Edian Nuwagaba and Isaaci Ocen took the 5km, and Festus Kule Katende and Lauben Kato won the wheelchair race .The marathon was organised by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF), which has seen its value grow from Shs8.66 billion in 2021 to Shs17 billion by 2026 . Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised NCBA for transforming what was once an annual fun run into a professionally organised marathon through the five-year sponsorship agreement . “We have been building this place for the future since 1922. This marathon is doing exactly that,” Nawangwe said .
Beyond the Marathon
NCBA Bank Uganda’s community impact extends well beyond the marathon. Under its “Change the Story” sustainability strategy, the bank has undertaken several initiatives in 2026, including a partnership with AVSI to distribute 1,500 packs of reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls, raising Shs18.5 million to combat period poverty and reduce menstrual-related absenteeism . The bank also partnered with the National Forestry Authority to plant 20,000 indigenous trees in the Namananga Central Forest Reserve as part of a two-year reforestation programme .Additionally, NCBA has committed to planting 100,000 trees by 2030 through strategic partnerships, with a tree-planting exercise at Nakasero Primary School in partnership with Dentons and KCCA marking World Environment Day 2026 . The bank’s broader corporate social investment strategy prioritises education, youth empowerment, sports development, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability . As Konyani noted, supporting Makerere University goes beyond sponsoring a sporting event: “For more than a century, Makerere University has produced leaders who have transformed communities, institutions and economies across the continent. Supporting the Makerere Marathon is therefore an investment not only in today’s participants but also in future generations who will benefit from a stronger and better-resourced university” .