Kabaka flags off thousands at birthday run to fight HIV/AIDS

12 April 2026, 1:21 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Kabaka of the Buganda Kingdom, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has today flagged off thousands of participants in the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, held at Lubiri Palace in Mengo, Kampala. This year’s run is under the theme: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, thanked everyone who turned up to celebrate this year’s edition, noting that it was highly attended. He also said the event attracted participants from outside the country and from various regions across Uganda.

“We want to appreciate all the people who have gathered here today to participate in this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run. I am glad that the Kabaka has been able to join his people. Whenever the Kabaka comes to his people, it is always a moment of great joy for his subjects. I would like to encourage all men to take the message of prevention seriously, so that they protect their lives and the lives of the girl child. Our target is to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. We do not want any new cases of HIV and AIDS, and no one should die as a result of the disease,” he said.

Participants who attended the run also thanked the Kingdom for organising the event. Among them was the Presidential Special Envoy for Buganda, Joseph Sewava, who commended the initiative.

“I want to take this opportunity to appreciate the Kingdom for this initiative. Creating awareness about HIV and AIDS is very important for the country. We appeal to the public to remain vigilant, especially men, because HIV and AIDS still claim lives. I also thank President Museveni for always being part of this program and for his continued support to the Kingdom,” he said.

Tomorrow, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will celebrate his 71st birthday at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Namungoona, Kampala.