Every April, the Kingdom of Buganda transforms Kabaka Ronald Muwendq Mutebi’s birthday into a national call to action. The 13th Kabaka Birthday Run, themed Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child, continues to stand as Uganda’s most powerful annual mobilisation against HIV/AIDS. To further accelerate the accelerate the movement, Betika is part of the sponsors.
Since its inception, the Kabaka Birthday Run has evolved from just 1,000 participants to more than 130,000 runners in 2026. These funds directly support HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and testing initiatives across the country.
According to UNAIDS, national HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 – 49 declined from 7.3% in 2010 to 4.9% in 2024. New infections dropped by 61%, from 96,000 to 37,000, while infections among young people aged 15 – 24 fell by 57%.
AIDS-related deaths declined by 63%, and access to antiretroviral therapy now reaches over 1.3 million Ugandans.
While this progress is significant, the 2030 goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat requires sustained, collective action. That is the role the Kabaka Birthday Run continues to play.
For Betika, participation in the Kabaka Birthday Run reflects more than presence; it underscores a deliberate commitment to invest in the communities it serves.
Betika has made a meaningful sponsorship contribution, with the full amount going directly towards supporting HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, and prevention efforts across the country.
Betika is honoured to contribute to an initiative that continues to deliver real, measurable change.
Speaking on Betika’s involvement, Nantajja Denis, Operations Lead at Betika Uganda, said,
“HIV/AIDS has touched every community in Uganda. The Kabaka Birthday Run remains one of the most impactful platforms for awareness, prevention, and action. Betika is proud to stand alongside Ugandans in advancing Kabaka’s vision for a healthier nation.
Our commitment goes beyond entertainment, we are here to support the causes that truly matter.”