MBARARA, Uganda — Police in Mbarara have reportedly detained Dickens Friday Kaka, Chief Executive Officer of the Mbarara City Marathon, following allegations that he proceeded with the event despite clear directives from the Uganda Athletics Federation to halt it.
According to authorities, the federation had earlier instructed organisers not to go ahead with the marathon, citing concerns over runner safety and the failure to meet several mandatory requirements. Officials further advised that the event be rescheduled to Sunday, when road conditions and logistics would be more manageable. However, this guidance was allegedly ignored.
Despite the warning, the marathon reportedly commenced on Saturday morning under rainy conditions and without official police deployment. The absence of security and coordination prompted law enforcement to intervene, leading to Kaka’s arrest. He is currently being held at Mbarara Central Police Station as investigations continue into what authorities describe as a breach of established sports regulations.
The situation caused confusion and frustration among participants. Many runners who had gathered at the starting point were left stranded in the early morning drizzle, with no clear direction from organisers. Some waited in uncertainty, while others eventually left the venue after realising the event lacked proper coordination and safety assurances.
The Mbarara City Marathon, now in its second edition, had been widely promoted as a flagship sporting and tourism event aimed at showcasing the city as a hub for fitness, culture, and economic activity. Organisers had mounted an extensive promotional campaign across social media and local platforms, encouraging participation from both amateur and professional runners.
The event was also positioned as a community-driven initiative intended to boost local businesses and attract visitors from across western Uganda and beyond. Previous editions and promotional messaging emphasised themes of health, youth engagement, and urban development, with promises of a more improved and professionally managed experience this year.
However, the latest developments have cast a shadow over those ambitions, raising questions about event management standards and adherence to regulatory guidelines in Uganda’s growing sports sector
