Africa-Press – Uganda. The Rotary Club of Jinja has officially launched the fourth edition of its annual “Run for the Nile,” bringing together environmentalists, religious leaders, corporate sponsors, and the wider community to champion conservation efforts for Lake Victoria and the River Nile.
Organised in partnership with NBS TV, this year’s marathon is scheduled for March 28 under the theme “Nature is Calling Us.” The event is expected to draw over 5,000 runners and raise funds to support initiatives aimed at protecting the region’s critical water bodies.
Speaking at the launch, Rotary Club of Jinja president Michael Ofwono said proceeds will go toward installing trap gates on drainage channels that feed into Lake Victoria and the Nile.
The gates are intended to prevent plastic waste and other pollutants from entering the water systems.
Ofwono added that the club plans to intensify tree planting along lake shores and riverbanks to curb soil erosion and environmental degradation.
“This is the fourth edition. After three successful runs previously, we are looking forward to another impactful event because we are running for a good cause. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
He highlighted that despite Lake Victoria being one of the world’s largest freshwater bodies, it faces increasing pressure from pollution, poor conservation practices, and declining fish stocks.
“We used to buy fish at Shs3,000, but today you need up to Shs30,000 to get good fish. That means something is wrong. Fish stocks have reduced, and we must protect the lake,” Ofwono said.
Previous editions of the run have already led to the installation of several trap gates and supported Wanyange Girls School to prepare a nursery bed of 25,000 trees, though Ofwono stressed that further interventions are needed to achieve lasting impact.
David Nsubuga, a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala Central, called on stakeholders — including factory managers — to take environmental responsibility seriously.
“We own the source of the Nile, and we should protect it jealously. Countries that benefit from the Nile such as South Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia should also come on board,” Nsubuga said.
The National Environment Management Authority has allocated land in Mayuge District for tree planting as part of the restoration efforts. Organisers urged the public to turn up in large numbers to raise sufficient funds for the exercise.
Rev. David Isabirye, representing the Bishop of the Busoga Diocese Rt Rev Prof Grace Lubaale, also called for collective responsibility in protecting water bodies.
“We are all custodians of our environment. I call upon schools, factories, political leaders and cultural institutions to join this run so that together we can secure our environment,” he said.
Corporate sponsors are also backing the initiative. Chrispus Kushemererwa of Madmacann highlighted the urgency of environmental action.
“For many years we have neglected nature, and it is calling us by the way it is responding. By conserving it, we are saving our natural resources,” Kushemererwa said.
This year’s marathon will feature three race categories: 5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, and 25 kilometres, catering to both amateur and professional runners.
With growing concerns over Lake Victoria and the River Nile, organisers say “Run for the Nile” has evolved beyond a sporting event into a regional conservation movement — mobilising communities, institutions, and nations to safeguard one of Africa’s most important natural resources.
As the countdown to race day begins, the Rotary Club of Jinja is urging individuals and organisations to lace up for a cause that extends far beyond the finish line.
