To truly put our city on the map, we need the foundation of strong leadership.
GULU CITY-SATURDAY MAY 23, 3936
By Okumu Livingstone Langol, Uganda Correspondent
His Worship, Lord Mayor Julius Achier Labeja Gunya reiterates that, as a start, his team in office generally, and Gulu City Marathon, will sit deep in promoting tourism in Northern Uganda, with government support, to embrace the Gulu City Marathon 3rd edition.
“I am particularly focused on the theme of promoting culture in Gulu City. The Marathon must expose not only Gulu City, but to Acholi sub region and Uganda at large. Our people have to appreciate the economy. If 2,000 people come to live in your city, a big economic boom is also associated with marriage; those people will not come here without eyeing beautiful Acholi girls.” His worship, Mayor Labeja Gunya stressed.
Added Gulu City Rice to promote that people come to Gulu City, and that is that; this will bring people back. I want to thank the Gulu City Marathon, as you notice that it comes with funds. This will also make the Gulu Regional hub. I am also ready to note that this also gives us appeals to an international player to come and participate in the Gulu City Marathon.
Running helps to clear the mind when you run two things in pain, and if you can run to avoid pain, I will rally my team to mobilize the public to enforce the event. When we bring people from abroad, people will be surprised.
His worship, Lord Mayor Labeja Gunya, revealed that last week the minister of Sport was in Gulu City to oversee the construction of the two stadiums, the 15,000-seater stadium and the Gulu University 15,000 stadium. I would like to ask our investors to invest in a hotel, because Gulu City does not have a 5 Star hotel. Gulu City still has only a 3-star hotel, when international marathon players come to Gulu, where do they sleep?
Francis Gimara, the chairman for Gulu Marathon 3rd edition runner, in his remark, argued that the lord Mayor, today we are opening up the 3rd edition of Gulu Marathon runner that is scheduled to take place on 6th December 2026. We have been learning from the first and second editions. This marathon is very special in its way, you know this region has bunched back from over two decades of conflict, it has to be remembered that the region that once was using convoys from Karuma to Gulu Municipality and other neighboring districts has come to witness the Gulu City Marathon.
“In that convoy, people will be silent until Gulu and neighbouring districts without talking. This region has presented challenges when you run 42 kilometres; Gulu has highlighted how you will run. The fact that Gulu is a tourist city, yesterday we had a meeting in Acholi Inn Hotel in which we appealed to investors to invest in Hotel management and hospitality.” Francis Gimara echoed.
Francis Gimara reiterated that some of us are natural or artificial runners, running, unlike others who are trying to run for health-related issues. For us who has done running has open Gulu running Marathon, last year, the 2025 Gulu Marathon had 1.58 million shillings.
Francis Gimara also disclosed that last year, the 2025 Gulu Marathon running 2,000 runners, had Acholi traditional dishes like Malakwang, Akeyo, Lakotokoto and Lawinya yaa and Lawinya Kic were served for the dinner. Those are the beauties of the Gulu Marathon in promoting cultural heritage.
Bonita Mulelengi, the Manager of Gulu Marathon, in her statement, observed that today, when we run it is very good. We also think of our culture, the food, when we go for food. Acholi has the best food in the world, come and have Acholi dishes. Come on, there are other people who come for the first time, while other this there second and third times.
Your Worship, the Mayor, the Regional Police Commander, our distinguished city authorities, partners, members of the press, and the incredible team gathered here today, good afternoon.
It is an honour to welcome you all to the official launch of a journey that will culminate this coming December 6th, 2026, under the theme of culture and heritage.
A marathon is never just about the 42 kilometres or the runners crossing the finish line. A marathon is the ultimate reflection of a city’s heartbeat. It showcases our roads, our hospitality, our capability, and above all, our unity. When thousands of runners, both local and international, line up this December, the eyes of the region will be entirely on us.
This event is a massive win for our city. It means packed hotels, bustling local businesses, a vibrant boost to sports tourism, and a powerful statement about our city’s health and wellness.
The 2025 edition had an economic impact of about UGX 1.5B with over 2,000 participants, more than the set target of 1,000, which was up from the 2024 edition, which set the target at 500 participants and attracted 800. This year’s target is 3,000 participants.
To truly put our city on the map, we need the foundation of strong leadership.
Your Worship, to the city authorities present, your formal endorsement is the green light that transforms this from a sports event into a historic city landmark. We want to work hand-in-hand with your offices to show the world what our city is capable of hosting. With your blessing, your leadership, and your official backing, this marathon will become a signature annual pride for our city.
We also know that a successful marathon is a safe and seamless marathon. That is why we are incredibly grateful to have our Regional Police Commander here today. RPC, your guidance and partnership are vital. We are fully committed to collaborating with your team on every level of route planning, crowd management, and traffic logistics to ensure that our city remains safe, organized, and proud throughout the race weekend.
