Kabalega Running Club Launched to Celebrate Legacy and Promote Community Wellness

Hoima, August 2, 2025 — In a vibrant and energizing event held at the Hoima Resort Hotel gardens, Kabalega Foundation, in partnership with the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and Hoima Resort Hotel, officially launched the Kabalega Running Club — a community-driven initiative designed to honour the legacy of Omukama Kabalega Cwa II through sport, wellness, and cultural connection.

The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi giving his remarks the launch of the Running Club.

The launch was presided over by the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, who flagged off the inaugural run and praised the initiative as both a tribute to a national hero and a tool for community transformation.

“Omukama Kabalega was not only a freedom fighter — he was strong, athletic, and disciplined,” said the Premier. “As we launch this club, we not only honour his legacy but also promote health and wellness across Bunyoro-Kitara.”

Running for Legacy, Health, and Unity

The Kabalega Running Club embodies the Foundation’s mission to preserve Kabalega’s legacy through dynamic, inclusive, and impact-driven programming. Participants ran under the theme “Rise Up and Shine. Show Up and Run — For Fun. For Health. For Fellowship. For a Hero.”

Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, ED of Kabalega Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Premier for launching the club and to all partners who made the event a success.

Dr. James Isagara Kisoro addressing participants at the launch.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Kisoro remarked. “We have created this running club — not just to run, but to reconnect with the values Kabalega stood for: discipline, unity, strength, and progress.”

Weekly Runs Begin — Open to All

The Foundation announced that weekly runs will now take place every Saturday morning, starting from Hoima Resort Hotel, with mapped-out routes of 1KM, 3KM, and 5KM around Kijungu. The club is free to join, and all age groups, people from all walks of life are welcome.

Mr. Martin Owor, Director of Hoima Resort Hotel, pledged his full support:

“We are committed to hosting the runs consistently. Our team will be here every Saturday to sustain this noble cause”

Mr. Martin Owori – proprietor of Hoima Resort Hotel  and host addressing participants at the launch.

A Show of Support from Community Leaders & Other Running Clubs

Hoima City Lord Mayor, His Worship Brian Kaboyo Adyeeri, lauded the initiative and hinted at even more exciting cultural programming.

“We are exploring the idea of a ‘Bunyoro-Kitara Carnival’ as a pre-Empango celebration. Events like this boost health, city pride, and local development.”

The Hoima City Lord Mayor – His Worship Brian Kaboyo Adyeeri delivering his remarks at the Launch.

At the launch, we were also joined by members of Kampala based Activate Uganda Running Club who shared useful insights on running club operations and sustainability.

What’s Next?

The ED of Kabalega Foundation noted that the running club is also aimed at keeping the community active and fit for the annual Kabalega Independence Run. He also informed the participants of the upcoming Kabalega Independence Week in October, which, along with the annual run, will feature the 2nd Kabalega Memorial Lecture, and a 3-day Business & Innovation Expo in Hoima City.

A cross-section of some of the runners who took to the streets following the launch of the running club.

These programs aim to celebrate Kabalega’s leadership and advance community transformation, culture heritage preservation, and innovation.

Join the Movement

The Kabalega Running Club is more than a fitness routine — it’s a tribute, a gathering, and a movement for those driven by passion to exercise for better health, network, and have fun. Join us every Saturday. 

📍 Meeting Point: Hoima Resort Hotel Gardens
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
🗺️ Routes: 1KM • 3KM • 5KM
🎽 To order your running kit, contact the coordination desk at Kabalega Foundation: +256-764 850675, visit KF offices, or Hoima Resort Hotel Front Desk.
💬 Join the running club WhatsApp Group for timely regular updates

The joy and smiles as runners were setting off following the flag off.

The Bunyoro-Kitara Prime Minister – Owek. Andrew Byakutaga (right) in company of Mr. Martin Owori of Hoima Resort Hotel (right) also doing their round following the Launch.

Some of the long distance runners from Kampala’s Activate Uganda Running Club who joined the Launch of Kabalega Running Club.