Sports 26 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Airtel Money Partners with Virunga Gorilla Marathon for Cashless Payments
Airtel Money has become the exclusive payment partner for the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, enabling cashless kit purchases to promote digital transactions and financial inclusion. Officials anticipate a surge in participation for the May 30 event in the Virunga Mountains, exceeding last year's 1,000 runners. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/virunga-gorilla-marathon-finds-cashless-push-5437206
Airtel Money has teamed up with the Virunga Gorilla Marathon as its exclusive payment provider, launching the partnership last week in Kampala. All runner kit purchases will now be handled through Airtel Money Merchant Pay, pushing forward cashless payments in this popular endurance event.
Scheduled for May 30 in the stunning Virunga Mountains, the marathon combines athletic challenge with efforts in conservation, community growth, and tourism. It offers a 112km ultra-marathon and a 42km full marathon, with fees at Shs70,000 for Ugandans and $30 for internationals.
Airtel Money Managing Director Japhet Aritho highlighted how the move supports a cashless economy, making transactions simpler and more inclusive. State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, a participant in the last edition, predicts numbers will top 1,000 this year.
The minister praised the rising popularity of conservation marathons worldwide and called on businesses, especially telecoms, to contribute more to environmental causes. He noted telecoms’ carbon footprint while commending their support for initiatives like this.
Virunga Marathon lead Kenneth Kamukama Rashid said the partnership will streamline kit sales and improve transaction tracking, benefiting runners traversing rainforests, hills, and lava fields.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)