The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will this Sunday, March 1, 2026, hold a conservation marathon aimed at raising funds to support children of rangers who lost their lives while protecting Uganda’s wildlife.
The 8th edition of the marathon will take place at Kitante Primary School in Kampala, under the theme “Running to Educate Children of the Fallen Rangers.”
Bashir Hangi, the Assistant Commissioner Communications at UWA and head of the Marathon Committee, is optimistic that people will continue to support this cause as they have in previous years.
He explained that the funds raised from the marathon contribute to the Fallen Rangers Education Fund, which currently supports nearly 150 children from primary and secondary schools to higher institutions of learning, the children complete their education and are ready to enter the job market.
“In the line of duty, we have colleagues who have lost their lives. These are people who paid the ultimate price while protecting our wildlife,” Hangi
“Some were shot by poachers inside the parks, some were killed by wild animals, and others died in accidents. It is always painful, especially when a breadwinner loses their life.”
Hangi explained that it was out of this painful reality that UWA established the Fallen Rangers Fund, a dedicated initiative to support the children left behind by fallen rangers.
“As Uganda Wildlife Authority, we created the Fallen Rangers Fund specifically to support the children of our colleagues who died strictly in the line of duty,” he said.
State Minister For Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka launched this year’s Marathon earlier this year and all is set now.
Allan Kelechi, a beneficiary of this program who is graduating this year with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Multitech Business School, and who has siblings also supported by the program, shared that their academic futures have been greatly improved thanks to the UWA Education program of the children of the fallen rangers.
He said, “Since my father passed away, UWA has covered my school fees—I have completed my studies and am now awaiting graduation. I am hopeful that my siblings, who are also supported by the fund, will succeed one day as well.”
Beyond the marathon, Hangi described 2026 as a year of major progress for wildlife conservation. “This year, we are taking 16 more rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, and we are also importing another 30 rhinos that will be taken to Kidepo Valley National Park,” he revealed.
