Uganda Set to Host Africa Coffee Marathon to Honor Rural Women

By Annabel Oyera

Uganda is taking bold steps to transform its coffee industry, and all eyes are on Ntungamo District this Saturday, May 24th, as it hosts the much-anticipated Africa Coffee Run, a  unique event blending fitness, fun, and the future of Ugandan coffee.

This run comes as part of the Africa Coffee Value Addition Project, a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Uganda and Inspire Africa Group (IAG). The project aims to grow Uganda’s coffee revenue from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion in five years, focusing on value-added products and coffee tourism.

Leading the charge is the Inspire Africa Coffee Industrial Hub in Ntungamo  the biggest coffee processing plant in Eastern and Central Africa. The facility uses modern freeze-dry technology to produce instant coffee, energy drinks, and coffee-based cosmetics.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto will participate in this historic event aimed at celebrating rural women’s contribution to societal development.

The upcoming run is not just a sporting event  it’s a national call to support Uganda’s coffee farmers and local investors. The venue, Africa Coffee Park, will soon host a Sports Complex, Convention Centre, Coffee Academy, and AI-focused IT Park.

Nelson Tugume, Chairman of Inspire Africa, says the event is a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to driving change from within. “This is our time to believe in and back Ugandan solutions,” he said.

With a cash prize pool of Shs116 million, elite and amateur runners alike will tackle distances ranging from 5KM to the full 42KM marathon. The scenic routes will wind through vibrant farming communities and the tranquil shores of Lake Nyabihoko, offering participants a rare glimpse into the heart of Uganda’s coffee-growing countryside.

The theme “Uplifting the Rural Woman” reflects the event’s deeper purpose: to shine a spotlight on the women who plant, nurture, and harvest the beans that fuel one of Uganda’s biggest exports. Organisers hope to transform this weekend into both a tribute and a turning point.

Registration is set at Shs30,000 and includes a marathon kit and access to the highly anticipated Coffee Concert, which kicks off right after the races.

Music lovers can look forward to an electric mix of Ugandan and East African talent. Bebe Cool leads the lineup, with continental stars Diamond Platnumz and Eddy Kenzo adding fire to the roster. Regional favourites like Ray G, Sister Charity, Beberi, Truth 256 and more are also slated to perform, promising a night of unbridled celebration under the western skies.

Beyond the glitz, the Coffee Marathon and Concert are also about business and vision. The event is the brainchild of Inspire Africa Group, which aims to expand Uganda’s coffee economy from its current USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion within five years. For them, this is more than a show—it’s a strategic movement brewed with ambition.

Be part of history this Saturday run, connect, and experience Uganda’s coffee revolution.