American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson has arrived in Uganda ahead of his headline performance at the second edition of the Africa Coffee Marathon, set for October 3, 2026, in Ntungamo District.
Gibson, best known internationally for his role as Roman Pearce in the Fast & Furious film franchise, touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday morning, August 25, where he was received by Talent Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Aly Allibhai, whose company is handling the entertainment component of the event.
Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa was also at the airport, underscoring the growing link between the marathon, Uganda’s tourism industry and the country’s coffee economy.
The Hollywood star is expected to headline the entertainment programme at the marathon, organised by Inspire Coffee Group, founded by Ugandan coffee entrepreneur Nelson Tugume.
“We want to use coffee, sport and entertainment to tell a bigger story about Uganda and the communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture,” Tugume said.
Coffee, tourism and community empowerment
The 2026 marathon will be held under the theme, “Empowering the IK Community of Karamoja through Coffee Farming to End Poverty.”
Organisers say the theme reflects their ambition to position coffee farming as a pathway to economic empowerment while drawing attention to communities facing poverty and limited livelihood opportunities.
Beyond the race and entertainment, the organisers envision the event as a platform for connecting Ugandan coffee farmers to wider markets while showcasing the country’s agricultural and tourism potential.
The arrival of Gibson adds an international dimension to that strategy. His global profile as an actor and musician is expected to increase attention around the event and attract audiences beyond Uganda.
Gibson has built a career spanning film and music, with his Hollywood success complemented by a long-running R&B career.
His visit comes as organisers seek to make the Africa Coffee Marathon an increasingly international event. United States footballer Tim Weah, son of former Liberian President and football legend George Weah, is also among the international personalities linked to this year’s event.
Building Uganda’s tourism profile
The Africa Coffee Marathon follows the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted considerable attention after Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz headlined the event.
Organisers are now seeking to build on that momentum by bringing Gibson to Uganda as the main international entertainment act for the 2026 edition.
For Uganda’s tourism sector, the event offers an opportunity to combine three powerful attractions—coffee, sport and entertainment—to tell a broader story about the country.
Uganda is internationally recognised for its coffee production and wildlife tourism, but organisers say events such as the Africa Coffee Marathon can help connect these sectors with cultural experiences and international entertainment.
The October event is therefore expected to serve not only as a sporting and entertainment gathering but also as a tourism and coffee-marketing platform, giving Uganda an opportunity to showcase its landscapes, communities and agricultural products to visitors and international audiences.
With Gibson’s arrival, organisers are betting that the combination of a global entertainment name, Ugandan coffee and community-focused tourism can give the Africa Coffee Marathon a stronger international identity.
