Frequently Asked Questions

All proceeds go directly to River Rwizi restoration projects coordinated with NEMA and Mbarara City Council: wetland restoration at Katete and Kashanyarazi, tree planting along the riverbanks (targeting 50,000 trees in 2026), community education programs in Rwampara and Isingiro districts, waste management initiatives, and sustainable livelihood programs for the 5 million people who depend on the river.

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers for various roles including course marshals, water station attendants, registration desk support, medical assistants, and post-race cleanup. University students from MUST and Bishop Stuart University are especially welcome. Visit our Volunteer page to sign up - volunteers receive a special t-shirt and certificate.

The inaugural 2025 event was a historic success! We had over 1,500 participants from across Uganda and 5 other countries, raised UGX 280 million, planted 12,000 trees along the riverbanks, and restored 45 hectares of wetland at Katete. The event was graced by the Minister of Water and Environment. Visit our Past Events page for the full results, photos, and documentary.

Yes! We have partnered with several hotels offering special rates for participants: Lake View Hotel (UGX 150,000/night), Acacia Hotel (UGX 120,000/night), Hotel Triangle (UGX 80,000/night), and Pelikan Hotel (UGX 60,000/night). Book through our website using code RWIZI2026 for 15% discount. Budget hostels are also available near MUST campus.

You can register online through our website by creating an account and selecting your preferred race category. Payment can be made via MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Visa/Mastercard, bank transfer to Stanbic Bank, or cash at our registration points in Mbarara (Acacia Mall) and Kampala (Garden City).

We offer five race categories: 2km Fun Run (perfect for families and children - route around Kakyeka Stadium), 5km Walk/Run (through High Street and Kamukuzi), 10km Run (via Kakoba and Biharwe), 21km Half Marathon (to Nyamitanga and Lake Mburo turnoff), and 42km Full Marathon along the scenic Rwizi catchment area.

Your registration includes a race bib with timing chip, an official River Rwizi Run t-shirt (made from recycled materials), finisher medal for all who complete the race, refreshments at water stations (including local Ankole honey energy drinks), and a finisher certificate. VIP packages also include breakfast at Kakyeka Stadium.

Yes, registration transfers are allowed up to 14 days before the event. Visit our Mbarara office at Plot 5, Bananuka Drive or contact us via WhatsApp at 0772 456 789 with the details of the new participant.

The 42km marathon starts at 6:00 AM (flag-off by the Mayor of Mbarara), 21km at 6:30 AM, 10km at 7:00 AM, 5km at 7:30 AM, and the 2km Fun Run at 8:00 AM. Please arrive at Kakyeka Stadium at least 1 hour before your race start time for kit collection and warm-up.

The race starts and finishes at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara City. The stadium is located off the Mbarara-Masaka Road, near the city center. Parking is available at the stadium and overflow parking at Mbarara University campus (free shuttle service provided).

Bring your race confirmation SMS or QR code, a valid ID (National ID, passport, or driving permit), comfortable running attire suitable for the Ankole climate (expect morning temperatures around 18°C rising to 28°C), and your own water bottle if preferred. Race kits can be collected at the registration desk on race day from 5:00 AM.

Yes, water stations are placed every 2.5km along the course, manned by our amazing volunteers. Rwenzori water and energy drinks will be available. For the 21km and 42km categories, we also provide bananas, oranges, and energy gels at designated fueling stations.

Yes, medical teams from Doctors Plaza Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital are positioned along the entire course. First aid stations are co-located with water stations. Ambulances are stationed at 5km intervals. The main medical tent at Kakyeka Stadium has full emergency facilities.

We accept MTN Mobile Money (dial *165*3# and use merchant code 123456), Airtel Money, Visa/Mastercard (via Flutterwave), bank transfers to Stanbic Bank Mbarara Branch (Account: 9030012345678), and cash payments at our registration points in Mbarara (Acacia Mall, Doctors Plaza) and Kampala (Garden City Mall, Acacia Mall Kisementi).

Full refunds are available up to 30 days before the event. 50% refunds are available 15-29 days before. No refunds within 14 days of the event, but you may transfer your registration to another person at no extra cost. Refunds are processed within 7 working days via the same payment method used.