Uganda’s legendary track star Dorcas Inzikuru will lead the charge at the 2025 Coffee Marathon, slated for May 24 in Ntungamo District. With prize money totaling UGX 116 million, the event promises to be one of the country’s most impactful athletic and economic showcases of the year.
Unveiled as brand ambassador during a breakfast meeting at Tweed Towers in Kampala, the 43-year-old steeplechase icon is lending her voice to a powerful message: uplift the rural woman.
The announcement was made by Inspire Africa Group (IAG) Board Chair, Dr. Robert Lim Lim, who emphasized the marathon’s role in celebrating women and coffee producers across Uganda.
A High-Stakes Run for a National Cause
The Coffee Marathon will feature four major races—42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km—designed to attract both elite athletes and enthusiastic amateurs. Apollo Musherure, representing the Uganda Athletics Federation, revealed the race routes and highlighted the expected participation of professional runners.
Sponsorship has poured in from major players, including Equity Bank, DFCU, Uganda Tourism Board, Crown Beverages, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and key government ministries.
Notably, Equity Bank is also headlining the Africa Business and Investment Forum, while DFCU leads the Inspire Women Conference—both aligned with marathon week in May.
Coffee Economy Poised for a Billion-Dollar Leap
The marathon announcement came during IAG’s Coffee Breakfast Meeting—a strategic gathering aimed at accelerating Uganda’s coffee value chain.
Uganda’s coffee economy, currently valued at USD 1 billion, is set for a bold leap to USD 5 billion over the next five years, thanks to aggressive investment in value addition and tourism.
The Africa Coffee Park, due for commissioning by President Yoweri Museveni on May 21 in Rwashamaire, will be the engine of this transformation. The 150-acre facility is the largest of its kind in Eastern and Central Africa.
Equipped with freeze-dry technology used by global leaders like Nestlé, the park will produce premium instant coffee, coffee-based beverages, and cosmetics—entirely from African-grown beans.
Dr. Nelson Tugume, CEO of Inspire Africa Group, didn’t mince words:
“Uganda has always been a coffee giant. Now we are becoming a coffee brand. The time for transformation is now.”
More Than a Marathon—A National Movement
Also part of the marathon weekend are the Coffee Concert and a strong community focus on empowering women in the coffee sector.
Nicholas Okot, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, praised IAG’s commitment:
“Inspire Africa’s vision is a blueprint for how Uganda can export finished excellence—not just raw potential.”
The Coffee Marathon 2025 isn’t just about the run—it’s a rallying cry for Uganda’s future.
