The Dokolo North Flood Recovery Marathon 2025 is an event that brings together individuals from all walks of life, to come together and run for a cause.
This year’s theme, “Running for Resilience: Rebuilding Lives Beyond the Floods”,highlights the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
On Saturday, 13th December 2025, the former Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City will be abuzz with excitement and determination as participants lace up their running shoes.
Organized by the Dokolo North Community Initiative (DNCI), the marathon aims to raise funds and awareness for the recovery and reconstruction efforts in the flood-affected areas of Dokolo North.
Let us come together and run for resilience, as we rebuild lives beyond the floods.
Background and Rationale
Over the past two years, Dokolo District and neighboring areas in Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja sub-regions have been severely affected by recurrent floods that have devastated livelihood, displaced families,destroyed crops, and contaminated water sources.
These floods have left thousands of vulnerable households,especially women, children, and the elderly-without access to shelter, food, or health services.
While Government and partners have responded commendably through emergency relief, the magnitude andpersistence of the disaster call for sustained, locally-led recovery and resilience-building efforts.
The Dokolo North Community Initiative (DNCI), a homegrown development platform committed to inclusive growth and social transformation, conceived the Dokolo North Flood Recovery Marathon as a unifying community and national event to mobilize resources, awareness, and collective action for the recovery of flood-affected communities in Dokolo and the broader northern region.
Purpose of the Event
The Flood Recovery Marathon aims to bring together leaders, citizens, private actors, and humanitarian partners to demonstrate solidarity, compassion, and commitment toward rebuilding lives andlivelihoods affected by floods in Northern Uganda.
Specifically, the event will: Mobilize financial and material support for flood recovery, focusing on shelter, safe water, and primary healthcare for affected households.
Raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for local adaptation and resilience measures.
Unite communities, Government, civil society, and the private sector around a shared goal of recovery and resilience.
Promote sports and volunteerism as tools for social transformation and youth empowerment.
Expected Outcomes
UGX 200 million mobilized in cash and kind to support flood recovery interventions.
Increased public awareness on climate resilience, disaster preparedness,environmental protection.
Enhanced collaboration between Government, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector.
Community empowerment through inclusive recovery initiatives and youth participation in humanitarian causes.
Invited Dignitaries
The DNCI organizing committee is privileged to invite the following distinguished guests:
Chief Guest: R. Hon. Anita Annet Among- Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Guest of Honour & Government Representative: Hon. Hamson Denis Obua – Government Chief Whip / Vice-Chairperson, NRM Northern Uganda.
Paramount Chief of Lango: His Highness Won Nyaci Won Deo Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune.
Chief Runner: Hon. Julius Acon, MP– Otuke East.
Chief Walker: Mr. Joseph Ocwet- Director General, External Security Organization (ESO).
Other Distinguished Guests-
Government Ministers & Lango Parliamentary GroupHost District Leadership.
LCV Chairperson, Lira District, Beneficiary District Leadership:
LCV Chairperson, Dokolo District.
Their participation reflects national unity, cultural pride, and inter-sectoral solidarity in championing humanitarian action and community resilience.
Key Activities
Marathon Races: 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km community runs within Dokolo Town and surrounding areas.
Corporate & Charity Walk: Led by national and local leaders, symbolizing solidarity and inclusion.
Corporate Fundraising Dance: A high-level evening event (venue to be communicated) to mobilize additional funds and corporate pledges.
Health & Resilience Expo: On-site medical outreach, blood donation, and environmental awareness exhibitions.
Community Voices & Recognition: Acknowledgment of outstanding humanitarian champions,cultural leaders, and local volunteers.
Target Participants Parliament and Local Government leaders Members of Parliament,Central Government representatives, Development partners, NGOs, and corporate sponsors, Youth and women groups cultural and faith-based institutions, Academia and media houses, General public and sports enthusiasts.
Resource Mobilization and Accountability
Funds raised will directly support the following interventions:Construction of temporary flood-resilient shelters.
Provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
Health and nutrition outreach in affected parishes.
Climate adaptation and resilience training for community groups.
A multi-stakeholder oversight committee, chaired by DNCI, will ensure transparent financial management and alignment with national disaster recovery frameworks.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Key partners include:Office of the Prime Minister (Disaster Preparedness)
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Water and Environment, Dokolo District Local Government, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Civil society and cultural institutionsFaith-based organizations and the media.
Conclusion
The Dokolo North Flood Recovery Marathon 2025 is more than a race, it is a movement of unity, hope and national solidarity.
With the leadership of the Speaker of Parliament, the Government Chief Whip, and the blessing of Lango’s cultural leadership, this initiative will rally the nation to rise together, rebuild together, and run together, toward a resilient and inclusive future for all.
Prepared by:
Dr. Bob Marley Achura (PhD )
Marathon Coordinator, DNCI
Tell: +256 775 196942 | achura@ghnug.org
Endorsed by:
Prof. Constant Okello-Obura Chairman, DNCI
