The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has moved the 2025 National Cross Country Championships from the Tororo Golf Course to the Mbale Golf Course. The change was confirmed by UAF Vice President Technical Benjamin Njia, who explained that the organizing committee approved the shift to better prepare athletes for international competition. “The Mbale course is similar to the one that will host the World Cross Country Championships. That’s why we felt it was important for athletes who will qualify to compete on a course of a similar nature,” Njia said.

Scheduled for November 15, 2025, the national championships will serve as the main qualification event for Ugandan athletes seeking to compete at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, set for January 10, 2026. The event will include a 10-kilometre race for senior athletes, an 8-kilometre race for junior men, and a 6-kilometre race for junior women.

Athletes from various regions are already intensifying their preparations through their respective training groups as they aim to secure national team places. Cross-country running remains one of Uganda’s strongest disciplines, with the country having produced global stars such as Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo in past editions.

The Mbale Golf Course is expected to offer a challenging and competitive route as Uganda’s top runners compete for national honours and the opportunity to represent the country on the world stage.