Independence Marathon: Ugandans Run to Strengthen Blood Supply for Mothers

What the report says

Hundreds of people gathered at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya, Kampala, on Sunday for the second Independence Marathon, an event organised under the theme “Save a Mother.” According to Watchdog Uganda, the race was intended to raise resources for maternal healthcare and to support efforts to improve blood availability for women facing childbirth complications and other patients needing transfusions.

The marathon included 42-kilometre, 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre categories, drawing elite runners, recreational participants, corporate teams, families and other members of the public. It was also the first edition of the event to use the Kampala Northern Bypass, with the full marathon route running from Namboole to Busega. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, flagged off the race and highlighted the role of community events in mobilising support for public health priorities.

Watchdog Uganda reported that funds raised will help establish a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank. The goal is to improve the processing, preservation and storage of blood, which organisers and supporters said is critical for safe motherhood and emergency care. Participants and sponsors, including Stanbic Bank Uganda, Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour, backed the initiative.

Organisers described the marathon as a blend of fitness, patriotism and charity, while participants said the cause gave the race added meaning. The event appears to be part of a growing effort to use sport to support health-related fundraising ahead of Uganda’s Independence celebrations.