Public Diplomacy in Action: Diaspora Run Rallies Ugandans in Tanzania

At exactly 5:00 AM, the serene Msasani Road in the upscale Oyster Bay area came alive as Ugandans gathered in a vibrant display of Public Diplomacy for a historic half-marathon. This unique event was held on the sidelines of the 1st Uganda Diaspora Convention, which took place on May 23, 2025.

In keeping with the social and communal spirit of Ugandans worldwide, the event brought together over 300 participants, including members of the Association of Ugandan Community in Tanzania (AUCT), The Runner’s Club Tanzania, Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, Tanzania Women’s Run (TWR), and representatives from Uganda Airlines.

The marathon, a joint initiative to promote healthy living and sports tourism, featured 15km and 10km competitive races, as well as 5km and 2km walking routes across the scenic Oyster Bay area. It was powered by the Uganda High Commission in Tanzania, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, White Cap Crisp, and AUCT.

Winners Musa Ramadhan Rajabu (15km) and Regan Allen Massawe (10km) received round-trip air tickets to Uganda, courtesy of Uganda Airlines, to participate in the 4th edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, scheduled for August 23, 2025, in Kasese, Uganda.

Julius Sekajja, a representative of the Rwenzori Marathon, invited all participants to register for the August event, emphasizing its global recognition:

“Your running times at the Rwenzori Marathon are registered with World Athletics and can be used to qualify for the Olympics,” he noted.

Uganda Airlines Country Manager, Ms. Lucy Ismail, joined High Commissioner Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye in handing over the award tickets. Ms. Ismail praised the event as a key milestone in strengthening partnerships between the airline and key government ministries.

Ambassador Mwesigye emphasized the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to offering quality services to Ugandans in Tanzania. He also appreciated the NIRA team for providing national registration services at the venue, making it more convenient for Ugandans to access essential services over the weekend.

The marathon will be followed by a networking gala, marking the close of an activity-filled and memorable week for Ugandans in the diaspora—celebrating unity, patriotism, and the power of sport in promoting Uganda’s image abroad.