Absa Bank Uganda has flagged off four runners to participate in the Absa Marathon Zambia, scheduled for 26 September 2026, in Lusaka, Zambia. The runners comprising of Peter Akwech, Isaac Masaai, Sylvia Chelangat and Abate Tadelech, secured this spot after finishing first and second in the men’s and women’s 25km categories at this year’s Absa KH3 7 Hills Run, an event that continues to rally thousands of Ugandans in support of girl child education.
The sponsorship package will cater to the flights, accommodation, and other logistical support, to ensure that the runners are well-prepared to compete on the international stage.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank Uganda, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Uganda’s running community.
“Peter, Isaac, Sylvia and Abate earned this opportunity through their exceptional performances on one of Kampala’s most challenging running courses. By supporting their participation in the Absa Marathon Zambia, we are not only recognising excellence but also providing exposure to international competition. We want the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run to continue creating opportunities for runners while advancing the social purpose for which it was established.”
The Absa Marathon Zambia is a World Athletics-certified road race and one of Africa’s fastest-growing running events, attracting thousands of participants from across the continent. Featuring 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km race categories, the marathon has grown into a highlight of the African athletics calendar, giving participants the opportunity to compete alongside elite international runners.
As the official airline partner facilitating the athletes’ travel to Zambia, Kenya Airways welcomed the opportunity to support the initiative.
“At Kenya Airways, we are proud to support platforms that promote excellence, wellness and community impact across Africa and the world. We are delighted to facilitate the travel of these outstanding Ugandan athletes as they represent Uganda in Zambia. This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting people, opportunities and experiences across the continent while supporting the growth of African sport,” said Felix Mwangangi, Country Manager Uganda, Kenya Airways.
Speaking on behalf of the running community, Alice Gita Okecho, Hash Master of the Kampala Hash House Harriers, congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity while proudly representing Uganda on the regional stage.
Beyond competition, both the Absa KH3-7 Hills Run in Uganda and the Absa Marathon Zambia use sport as a platform to drive social impact. In Uganda, proceeds from the Run support the Keep a Girl in School initiative, which seeks to address barriers that can prevent girls from remaining in school, including challenges related to menstrual health and access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
The 2026 Absa Marathon Zambia will support initiatives aimed at improving access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities, reinforcing the role of sport in advancing meaningful social change across the region.
