Preparations for the 12th edition of Kabaka’s birthday run in high gear

22 March 2025, 11:43 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom, His Royal Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, through the kingdom’s ministries and other partners, has organised the Kabaka Birthday Run, which will take place on 6th April 2025. The purpose of this run is, among other objectives, to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and to generate funds to support the fight against the disease.

Uganda is one of the countries in the world where over 70 per cent of the population is under the age of 35. According to research by the Uganda AIDS Commission, HIV/AIDS is more prevalent among girls aged 14 and above.

It is against this backdrop that the Buganda Kingdom deemed it necessary to support the central government in combating the virus. People from various sectors have joined this noble cause to help save the younger generation.

“My name is Mawejje Frank, National Chairman of the United Boda Boda Riders’ Union. We have decided to stand with the Buganda Kingdom and, in particular, the Kabaka in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As a union, we have purchased 500 running kits worth 10 million shillings,” he said.

Mawejje added that the boda boda industry employs many young people, making it crucial to educate them about their health. “Our work is dominated by young people, and we are aware of the existence of this disease. The Kabaka has tasked us, as men, to spearhead this cause. We promise our Kabaka that we will do whatever it takes to support the kingdom’s programmes in the fight against this virus. All the kits we have purchased as a union will be distributed free of charge to our members across the country. We, therefore, call upon others to join this fight because a healthy population is essential for Uganda’s development,” he elaborated.

“My name is Hajji Drisa Sendegeya, Director of Sedika Real Estates in Wakiso district. As Sedika, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom for his love and dedication to his people. The Kabaka does not discriminate, which is why, on many occasions, people from other parts of the world have recognised and appreciated his efforts in fighting the virus.

The run has played a significant role in raising awareness that AIDS still exists and remains a deadly disease if one does not follow the guidance of qualified medical professionals. Since we aspire to create a healthy environment, we at Sedika decided to purchase kits so that we can participate in the run with the goal of fighting the disease.

We encourage our customers and all Ugandans to join this cause. Additionally, we invite them to visit Sedika, where we offer land at fair prices starting from 3.5 million shillings. We also provide a flexible payment plan, allowing individuals to deposit as little as 10,000 shillings per day until they complete their payment. All our transactions are carried out exclusively at our office in Wakiso,” he said.

Additionally, the Chairman of Namayiba Park in Kampala Central Division, Faizo Lule, has praised the Kabaka Birthday Run as a highly beneficial initiative, as it serves as a reminder to the public that AIDS is still present in Uganda and remains incurable.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Kabaka, Ronald Mutebi II. By participating in this initiative, young people come to understand that the Kabaka cares for them and wants them to live long, healthy lives.

We are planning to purchase our kits very soon. I encourage all our taxi drivers and conductors to gather at Lubiri on 6th April 2025 and take part in this fight. This virus affects all of us, directly or indirectly, whether we have it or not, so we must stand together in the fight. By God’s grace, we shall overcome one day,” he said.

The Headteacher of Lubiri Senior Secondary School, Agatha Nakiseka Ssenyonjo, on behalf of the school, expressed gratitude to the Buganda Kingdom, particularly the Kabaka, for his visionary leadership in paving the way towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She had visited to purchase birthday run kits for the students and staff.

Ssalongo Ssekanyo Suleiman, Chairman of Kalerwe Abattoir, joined others in wishing the Kabaka a joyful 70th birthday in advance and pledged his commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS.

It should be remembered that Kabaka Mutebi II was appointed by UNAIDS to lead the fight against HIV and AIDS across Africa, a role he has fulfilled commendably, according to various reports on the epidemic.

Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for at least 90 days. In light of this, initiatives by the Buganda Kingdom can help bridge the gap to some extent. Uganda’s goal remains to end AIDS by the year 2030.