Tibita missed the 60km mark, but not his purpose
By Gloria Irankunda
On the morning of the remembrance walk, as most participants warmed up, John Tibita had already made his mark. By 7:50 am, he had become the first person to complete the 10-kilometre loop, smiling and energised as he prepared to begin his second round. His ambition for the day was to walk the full 60 kilometres, just as he had during last year’s remembrance walk.
What made his effort more notable is that he had travelled all the way from Kisoro, arriving in Kampala at 1am.
“With barely three hours of sleep, I was up again at dawn, ready to walk for a cause I deeply believe in,” he shared.
The shift that came at 30 kilometres
Although Tibita began strong and completed the first 10 kilometres faster than most, the accumulated fatigue from travelling overnight slowly caught up with him. By the time he reached 30 kilometres, at around 11:30 am, he started experiencing muscle spasms.
Despite his mental readiness and physical conditioning, the lack of proper rest reduced his capacity to continue safely.
“I decided to stop at that point. It was not my initial goal, but it was the realistic choice under the circumstances. The body had reached its limit,” he explained.
As someone who trains throughout the year, he is familiar with evaluating his body’s limits.
He still considers the walk valuable, even if he did not complete the entire 60 kilometres this year.
“Participation is not only about finishing, it is also about contributing to the awareness the walk creates and standing with others who believe in the cause,” he said.
John Tibita speaks at the 2025 Joe Walker remembrance walk. | Photo by Gloria Irankunda .
On preparation
Reflecting on his preparation, Tibita notes that maintaining a routine throughout the year is key. The weekend long runs form the main part of his base training, while strength work helps protect his joints and improve endurance.
“Mental preparation is also part of the process. I approach every long-distance event with the belief that I can complete it, though the travel fatigue made this year’s walk more difficult,|” he explained.
He is part of a running group in Kisoro where members engage in regular training. He has also taken part in several races like the 2024 Legends Marathon, 2024 Uganda Wildlife Marathon, 2024 Kigali International Peace Marathon and 2025 Virunga Gorilla Marathon which he says contribute to his experience and consistency as an ultra-trained runner.
“My participation in running events in both Kisoro and Rwanda give me exposure to different terrains and altitudes, contributing to my resilience. These experiences also connect me with other runners who share similar goals,” he shared.
The runner in Tibita
Tibita is not new to running. He has been walking long distances since he was young. In school, running was part of the sports activities he indulged in, and he naturally gravitated toward longer distances.
These early experiences developed both his endurance and his interest in long-distance movement.
“Over time, that grew into a consistent routine and eventually into participation in organized walks and runs. Walking is now a normal part of my daily life,” he said.
Why he walked
For Tibita, the remembrance walk was not just about the kilometres. He joined because the cause aligns with what he has witnessed in his community.
Living in Kisoro, he has seen road accidents on the highways that lead to and from the district. Many have involved travelers, parents, children, and community members whose lives were affected or lost. Reading national statistics and seeing local incidents made the message of the walk meaningful to him.
Earlier that morning, he explained that the period leading up to December often comes with increased travel and busier roads.
“More vehicles heading upcountry can result in rushed driving and higher accident risks. It is important to promote awareness, remind people about road safety, and stand in support of those who have been affected,” he explained.
He also recognised Joe Walker Foundation’s efforts to support people living with mobility challenges.
“Knowing that some beneficiaries now rely on mobility aids reinforces why these walks matter,” he added.
Tibita hopes more people will join future walks, saying that such a cause deserves tens of thousands participating.
“Every step taken is a tribute to the lives lost, a call for safer roads, and an encouragement for others to join the cause,” he stated.
