Kabaka birthday run, leaders urge everyone to participate

4 April 2025, 8:17 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the day for the Kabaka Birthday Run approaches, leaders from various parts of the country have expressed their support for the campaign. His Royal Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda, has dedicated this year’s run to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. In light of this, the Deputy RCC for Kampala Central, Nsubuga Shafiq Ali, has praised the Kabaka for his wise decision to focus on combating this deadly disease.

“First of all, before I say anything, allow me to thank God for protecting the Kabaka. We are truly grateful and pray that he continues to be blessed with many more years. On Sunday, we will be running, and we have already purchased running kits, which we will distribute to the people of Buganda to encourage their participation in the run,” he said.

“I appeal to all men to listen to what the Kabaka tells us and take action, because AIDS has caused many people in Uganda to become orphans, widows, and widowers. We must wake up and do what is necessary. The Kabaka has done everything possible to ensure that his people live a healthy life. It is our responsibility to follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health regarding all the preventive measures for HIV and AIDS,” he concluded.

Ssekanyo Suleiman, the chairman of Nsooba Slaughter House in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, also urged men to remain faithful to their partners and to get tested for HIV at least once a month, as sexual intercourse is one of the ways HIV can be transmitted. He expressed his appreciation to the Kabaka for always caring about his people and wished him a long life.

Additionally, the headteacher of Green Light Secondary School in Nansana Municipality, Senkaaba Hamidu, confirmed that the school would join the rest in participating in the run. He encouraged men to follow the Kabaka’s guidance and take the lead in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He wished the Kabaka long life and appealed to students to abstain from sex until the right time.

The deputy headteacher of Santa Maria Preparatory School, Sekiziyivu John, speaking to journalists at the school in Kampala, appealed to men to respect students and remain faithful to their partners. He confirmed that the school would also participate in the run on Sunday and urged the public to take part, as the cause is a worthy one.

On behalf of the learners, Nabaterega Claire has appealed to her fellow students, especially girls, to abstain from sex until marriage and to focus on their studies.

“My name is Nabaterega Claire, a Primary Seven learner at Santa Maria Preparatory School. I appeal to my fellow students, especially girls, not to be seduced by men offering gifts and to concentrate on their studies, as the future is bright. I thank the Kabaka for his efforts in fighting HIV and AIDS and wish him a fruitful birthday in advance and long life,” she said.

It should be remembered that Kabaka Mutebi II will be turning 70 years old on 13th April 2025.