Shared by Kameli Zephaniia Bwambale of Musingika Tourism Company Limited and a member of Kasese District Tourism Investors Forum https://musingikatourism.com/

The World Gathered again in Kasese for a genuine cause as Kasese City Shine before the world.

With more than 3,600 participants from 33 countries, the marathon highlighted Kasese as a beacon of peace and a model for sustainable tourism as participants ran in a clean and pollution free town of Western Uganda.

The event, more than just a race, symbolized the unity of cultures and the celebration of natural beauty, making it a powerful statement about the region’s potential as a global tourist destination.

Amos Wekesa, the Marathon Team Leader and a renowned African Tourism Guru, expressed his delight at the growing popularity of the event, saying, “The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon has become more than just a race. It’s a platform to showcase the beauty of Kasese, the Rwenzori Mountains and Uganda to the world. Every year, we see more participants, and this shows the increasing interest in what our region has to offer.” he added.

A Clean and Welcoming Environment 

The success of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is not just about the beautiful scenery and the spirited community; it’s also about the efforts to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. No doubt, Kasese is now the smartest city the region has had.

The streets of Kasese were spotless, thanks to the community’s commitment to cleanliness and environmental conservation, a factor that significantly contributed to the marathon’s success.

Hon Kabyanga Godfrey, State Minister for ICT and Area MP emphasized this point, saying, “A clean town like Kasese offers a conducive environment for runners. The community has played a vital role in ensuring that our town remains clean, making it not only a good place to run but also a great place to visit. This level of cleanliness is a reflection of the pride our people take in their town and their commitment to preserving its beauty.”

State Minister for Sports Hon Ogwang also commended the efforts of the Kasese community, stating, “The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon has shown the world what a clean and peaceful environment can do for sports tourism. “This event is a testimony that when communities come together, great things can be achieved. Kasese is setting a standard for other towns in Uganda.”

 The Role of the Rwenzori Theluji Festival 

Central to the success of the marathon is the Rwenzori Theluji Festival, a series of pre- and post-marathon events designed to celebrate and promote the cultural and natural heritage of Kasese. Organized by the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum, the festival has been instrumental in creating a tourism-conscious community. 

Mr Baritazale Kule, Chairman of the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum, remarked, “The Rwenzori Theluji Festival has created an opportunity for the local people to engage in tourism activities, showcasing their rich culture and natural resources. The festival has provided a platform for both locals and visitors to learn and appreciate the importance of conserving our environment and cultural heritage.”

The festival’s activities, ranging from traditional music and dance performances to environmental conservation campaigns, have significantly contributed to the marathon’s success. The event has helped foster a sense of pride among the local communities, turning them into active participants and ambassadors of the region’s beauty and hospitality.

 Future of Kasese as a Premier Tourist Destination 

The impact of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon goes beyond the race itself. It has set the stage for other significant events, such as the upcoming World Tourism Day 2024, which will also be celebrated in Kasese. 

The recognition of Kasese as a viable destination for international events is a testament to the dedication and vision of its leaders and community members.

Hon Mugarra Martin, State Minister for Tourism highlighted the strategic importance of the marathon in promoting tourism, stating, “The marathon has put Kasese on the map as a prime tourist destination. We are now seeing an increase in visitors, not just for the marathon but for other events and activities. “This is just the beginning, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that will continue to attract visitors to our beautiful region.”

As Kasese continues to attract global attention, its leaders are optimistic about the future. The success of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon and the Rwenzori Theluji Festival has demonstrated that Kasese is not only ready to host major events but is also capable of doing so with excellence.

Mr Amos Wekesa concluded with a vision for the future: “Our goal is to make Kasese a household name in tourism. We have the natural beauty, the cultural richness, and the community spirit to achieve this. The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is just the beginning of what we can accomplish. We invite the world to come and experience the magic of Kasese.”

The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon has once again proven that Kasese is more than just a destination; it is an experience. 

The marathon, coupled with the vibrant Rwenzori Theluji Festival, has created a unique blend of sports, culture, and community. 

As Kasese continues to grow as a tourist destination, it promises to offer more than just scenic views but unforgettable memories and a warm embrace from a community that knows the true meaning of hospitality.

 Written by;

Kameli Zephaniia Bwambale, kamelizepha1990@gmail.com, Musingika Tourism Company Limited https://musingikatourism.com/

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