Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda marks five years of hydration support for the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon

Kampala, Uganda – Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has renewed its partnership as the official hydration partner of the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon, marking five consecutive years of supporting one of Uganda’s premier sporting events.

Scheduled for 22 August 2026 in Kasese District, the marathon will enter its fifth edition as it continues its journey towards becoming a globally recognised World Athletics Label Road Race. The event has earned international recognition for meeting global race standards through certified routes, professional timing systems, enhanced race operations and international participation.

As part of the partnership, CCBU, a company in the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group, will provide Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water across the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km race categories, helping to keep participants hydrated as they run from the Equator through the scenic landscapes of Kasese and the Rwenzori region.

This year’s edition will feature upgrades designed to enhance the athlete and spectator experience, including improved race infrastructure, a new finish arena with expanded facilities, and increased government support. These developments form part of the organisers’ ambition to achieve Gold Label status, further positioning the event as a key sporting and tourism attraction for Uganda.

Speaking about the partnership, Emmy Hashakimana, Managing Director of CCBU, said:

“The Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon has become an important platform for bringing people together, creating economic opportunities and showcasing the beauty and potential of the Rwenzori region. We are proud to continue our partnership and provide hydration through Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water as thousands of runners take part in this inspiring event.”

He added:

“At Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, we are committed to doing business the right way by supporting initiatives that create shared value for communities while delivering a positive and memorable experience for consumers.”

CCBU has invested UGX 215 million in this year’s marathon, supporting hydration efforts and helping to deliver a safe, enjoyable and world-class race experience for participants and spectators alike.

Amos Wekesa, Team Lead at the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon, applauded CCBU’s continued commitment, noting that reliable hydration support remains critical to delivering a world-class race experience for participants.

The Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon continues to attract local and international runners while showcasing the unique landscapes, culture and tourism potential of the Rwenzori region.

  • Business, Sustainability

Related Media Releases

Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda marks five years of hydration support for the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon

Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has renewed its partnership as the official hydration partner of the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon, marking five consecutive years of supporting one of Uganda's premier sporting events.
  • Business, Sustainability
Read More

Recycling Heroes Project to support packaging collection and economic inclusion in northern Namibia

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia, in collaboration with local authorities, recyclers and the Recycling Namibia Forum (RNF), has launched the 2026 Recycling Heroes Project in Rundu and Ondangwa. This community-focused initiative aims to strengthen packaging collection and recycling practices while contributing to economic inclusion in two of Namibia’s growing towns.
  • Business, Sustainability
Read More

Trust: The Foundation of Sustainable Business Success

An Opinion Editorial from Kirunda Magoola, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda
  • Business, EVP
Read More
© Copyright CCBA 2026 | All Rights Reserved
Frank O’Donnell

Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, CCBA

Frank leads CCBA’s commercial agenda, with responsibility for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening route to market and customer partnerships and driving execution excellence across markets.

Frank brings extensive international experience from Coca‑Cola HBC, where he held a range of senior commercial and general management roles. Most recently, he served as Region Director, overseeing 13 markets across Europe, where he led high-performing teams and delivered strong business results.

He is recognised for his strong commercial acumen, customer focus and track record in building high-performing teams across diverse markets.

Gerald Lewis

Chief Information Officer, CCBA

Gerald leads CCBA’s digital, data and technology agenda, focusing on enabling business performance through scalable platforms and enhanced digital capabilities.  Gerald brings extensive international experience, most recently as Head of Technology Strategy & Operations at Coca‑Cola HBC. He has also held senior CIO roles at Bacardi across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as transformation roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Mettler Toledo. He is recognised for translating technology strategy into business value and for leading transformation across emerging markets.

Matthew Welz

General Counsel and Company Secretary, CCBA

Matthew joined us from the Clicks Group, a JSE Top-40 company, where he has been the Head of Legal and Company Secretary since 2016. In this role Matthew successfully navigated a highly regulated environment, including overseeing compliance with company laws and the JSE Listings Requirements. As company secretary, he managed governance at Board level as well as being the Chairman’s chief of staff. Prior to this, Matthew was a Legal Manager with Anglo American, a major multinational diversified mining group, which includes three companies listed on the JSE, with extensive operations across Southern Africa.

CCBA Zambia Hero

Zambia

  • Brands: 09
  • Employees: 325
  • Plants: 01
Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia (CCBZ) became a subsidiary of CCBA in 2018.
Explore Country
CCBA Uganda Hero

Uganda

  • Brands: 12
  • Employees: 894
  • Plants: 03
CCBA’s Ugandan subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited (CCBU), has a 24-year track record in Uganda.
Explore Country
CCBA Tanzania Hero

Tanzania

  • Brands: 09
  • Employees: 569
  • Plants: 02
Coca-Cola Kwanza is a subsidiary of CCBA covering 54% of Tanzania’s geography and employing over 500 people.
Explore Country
CCBA Namibia Hero

Namibia

  • Brands: 15
  • Employees: 559
  • Plants: 02
The Coca-Cola system in Namibia, has a 70-year track record providing Coca-Cola brands tailored for consumer preferences.
Explore Country
CCBA Mozambique Hero

Mozambique

  • Brands: 11
  • Employees: 818
  • Plants: 03
With more than 30 years serving the country, Coca-Cola Sabco Mozambique (CCSM) is a subsidiary of CCBA.
Explore Country
CCBA Comoros Mayotte Hero

Mayotte

  • Brands: 13
  • Employees: 108
  • Plants: 01
The islands represent CCBA’s presence in Comoros and Mayotte.
Explore Country

Malawi

  • Brands: 09
  • Employees: 249
  • Plants: 01
In 2022, CCBA acquired the soft drinks division of the Castel (Southern Bottlers Limited) in Malawi through a new entity called Coca-Cola Beverages Limited (CCBL).
Explore Country
CCBA Where We Operate Hero

Kenya

  • Brands: 13
  • Employees: 1,800
  • Plants: 05
In one of East Africa’s largest-ever private equity investments, CCBA acquired 100% shareholding in Nairobi Bottlers Limited (NBL) in October 2019.
Explore Country
CCBA Ethiopia Employee

Ethiopia

  • Brands: 06
  • Employees: 2,388
  • Plants: 05
East Africa Bottling Share Company (EABSC), a subsidiary of CCBA, is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in Ethiopia, having served the country for more than 60 years.
Explore Country
CCBA Eswatini Hero

Eswatini

  • Brands: 16
  • Employees: 43
In August 2019, CCBA subsidiary, Eswatini Coca-Cola Beverages, commenced operations with a refreshed marketing and sales plan, based on Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s success.
Explore Country
CCBA Comoros Mayotte Hero

Comoros

  • Brands: 04
  • Employees: 47
The islands represent CCBA’s presence in Comoros and Mayotte.
Explore Country
CCBA South Africa Where We Operate

South Africa

  • Brands: 20
  • Employees: 5,558
  • Plants: 11
CCBA’s proudly South African subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), has 11 manufacturing plants across 6 provinces.
Explore Country
CCBA Botswana Hero

Botswana

  • Brands: 13
  • Employees: 297
  • Plants: 01
Based in the capital, Gaborone, CCBA’s Botswana subsidiary, which trades as Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana (CCBB), offers improved service and accelerated innovation for both the formal and informal markets.
Explore Country