Stanbic Commits UGX20m to Virunga Gorilla Marathon’s Conservation Drive

October 22, 2026 in by Editor

Bank backs Kisoro race as organisers target 3,000 runners and introduce a 112km ultra-run to expand the event’s tourism and conservation footprint

 

Stanbic Bank Uganda has committed UGX20 million to the third edition of the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, strengthening efforts to link sports tourism with environmental conservation and community development in Kisoro.

The marathon, scheduled for November 21, 2026, will run under the theme “Running for Climate Action”, with organisers seeking to attract 3,000 participants, three times last year’s turnout of 1,000.

The bank’s contribution will support conservation activities, including tree planting, as the event seeks to raise Kisoro’s profile as a destination for nature-based tourism while generating business for local communities.

Speaking at a kit handover ceremony on Tuesday, Diana Ondoga, Stanbic’s Manager for Corporate Social Investment, said the partnership reflects the bank’s interest in supporting environmental restoration and climate action.

“As a country, we are experiencing adverse climate effects, so every effort involved in restoration, nurturing and growing, we look forward to working with the team,” Ondoga said.

She added that the bank’s running club would participate in the event, combining staff wellness with its conservation objectives.

Kisoro’s tourism appeal is closely tied to the mountain gorilla habitats in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the neighbouring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as the district’s bamboo ecosystems and mountainous terrain. The area’s natural attractions provide a foundation for tourism, but also make environmental protection important to the long-term sustainability of the local economy.

Kenneth Rashid Kamukama, chief executive officer of Virunga Gorilla Marathon, said the event is built around three objectives: promoting tourism, creating opportunities for local businesses through visitor spending, and identifying promising athletes.

He said last year’s edition included fruit-tree planting, an initiative that organisers intend to continue this year with support from Stanbic.

The anticipated increase in participation could provide a boost to accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and other businesses in Kisoro, although the scale of the economic benefit will depend on visitor numbers and how much spending remains within the local economy.

This year’s programme will feature the established 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km and 6km races. The addition of a 112km ultra-run marks a significant expansion, introducing a longer-distance trail-running challenge.

Race director John Tibita said the ultra-run and other routes would take participants through rainforest, rolling hills and ancient lava fields, while offering opportunities to interact with local communities, including the Batwa.

The terrain is central to the event’s appeal, distinguishing it from conventional road races and positioning it within the growing market for endurance events built around natural landscapes and destination experiences.

Duncan Naluswa, captain of the Stanbic Run Club, said the bank was returning for a second consecutive year after participants enjoyed the terrain during the previous edition.

Stanbic said its support for the marathon forms part of a broader environmental sustainability agenda. In 2024, the bank recycled more than 9.2 tonnes of single-use plastic bottles and reduced internal paper consumption by 39.6pc through greater adoption of digital banking platforms.

It also partnered with Global Paper Limited to convert paper waste into environmentally friendly products and made UGX62 billion in financing available to green enterprises in agriculture, waste management and renewable energy.

The marathon offers another avenue for the bank to connect its environmental commitments with activities outside its core financial services business.