Stanbic Bank Uganda has officially announced a sponsorship package worth Sh20 million to support the upcoming third edition of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, reinforcing its corporate commitment to environmental conservation, community welfare, and sustainable development across the region.
Scheduled to take place in Kisoro District on November 21, 2026, the annual sporting event will run under the central theme, ‘Running for Climate Action.’ The partnership highlights a shared mission between corporate stakeholders and local event organizers to leverage sports as a platform for driving positive environmental change.
Speaking during the official kit handover ceremony on Tuesday, Diana Ondoga, Manager of Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank Uganda, emphasized the critical need for collaborative actions in addressing the growing threat of climate change.
“The cause of the run is focused on conservation in the Kisoro area, and we have opted to join the Virunga team in this noble cause,” Ondoga stated. “As we all know, as a country, we are experiencing adverse climate effects, so every effort involved at restoration, at nurturing, at growing, we look forward to working with the team.”
The choice of location for the marathon holds significant ecological value. The southwestern district of Kisoro hosts unique bamboo ecosystems and dense forest strips—notably within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and nearby stretches of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lush tree canopy provides a habitat for a substantial portion of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas, serving as a primary driver for Uganda’s international tourism sector.
Ondoga further noted that the bank’s sponsorship directly engages its own workforce through the active involvement of the Stanbic Run Club. “This allows us to hit two birds with one stone,” she explained. “The first bird is the one on environmental conservation and tree planting. The second bird is on wellness of colleagues and of staff of Stanbic Bank.”
Kenneth Rashid Kamkama, CEO of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, outlined the fundamental mission behind the event. According to Kamkama, the marathon is founded on three primary pillars: promoting local and regional tourism, driving economic growth for host communities through visitor spending, and serving as a platform for talent identification among aspiring local athletes.
Reflecting on previous conservation outcomes, Kamkama noted that tree-planting efforts remain central to the event’s goals. “Last year we planted fruit trees, and we are repeating the initiative for 2026,” he said. “Stanbic Bank has supported us in planting these trees across various locations in Kisoro. We deeply appreciate their partnership and commitment to standing with us for conservation.”
Duncan Naluswa, Captain of the Stanbic Run Club, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming race, recalling the team’s positive experience during last year’s event and anticipating scenic routes through Kisoro’s dramatic landscape.
Race Director John Tibita detailed the event’s expanding structure for 2026. This year’s competition will offer multiple distances to cater to various running capabilities, including standard full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, and 6km races.
In a significant upgrade to the event’s profile, organizers have introduced a new 112-kilometre ultra-run, marking the formal addition of long-distance trail running to the marathon. Unlike traditional road races, the ultra-trail route will guide participants through challenging natural terrains, featuring steep mountain climbs, rugged tracks, tropical rainforests, rolling hills, and ancient lava fields. Runners will also have opportunities to interact directly with local communities, including the indigenous Batwa people.
Following last year’s turnout of 1,000 participants, event organizers aim to triple attendance for the 2026 edition, expecting athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across East Africa and international destinations.
The sponsorship forms part of Stanbic Bank Uganda’s broader sustainability strategy. In 2024, the financial institution recycled over 9,234 kilograms of single-use plastic bottles, reduced internal paper consumption by 39.6% through digital banking adoption, and partnered with Global Paper Limited to process waste paper into eco-friendly products. Furthermore, the bank extended UGX 62 billion in green financing to support local enterprises operating within agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy sectors.
