Mengo — Thousands of Ugandans gathered at Lubiri in Mengo on Sunday for the 13th edition of the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, held in celebration of the 71st birthday of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The run, one of the country’s largest public health events, drew over 140,000 participants from across the country, all under this year’s theme: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.” The theme places emphasis on the role of men in protecting families and communities from the spread of HIV.
Since its launch in 2014, the Kabaka Birthday Run has grown into a major platform for health advocacy, previously highlighting issues such as sickle cell disease and fistula, and now intensifying the campaign against HIV/AIDS.
Leaders call for renewed effort
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, urged Ugandans to treat the run as more than a ceremonial event.
“This year, our key message is very clear: Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” Mayiga said. “The Kabaka Birthday Run is not merely a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, but a wake-up call to intensify our efforts in the fight for better health in Uganda.”
He emphasised the need for collective responsibility, particularly among men, in reducing new infections and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including young girls.
Broad participation and support
The event attracted participation from various sectors, including cultural institutions, corporate entities, civil society, and the general public. Among the notable was Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Talda, who joined the 10-kilometre race and took part in ceremonial activities ahead of the run.
Speaking during the event, Taldar praised the unity displayed by Ugandans in addressing national challenges.
“It is inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans unite in such great numbers for a cause that touches so many families,” he said. “Each one of us is here to contribute to the effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
HIV/AIDS fight remains critical
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, an estimated 1.4 to 1.5 million Ugandans are currently living with HIV, with adult prevalence ranging between 4.9 and 5.4 percent.
While AIDS-related deaths have significantly declined over the past decade, approximately 37,000 new infections are still recorded annually — a reminder that sustained awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts remain essential.
As the crowds filled the streets of Mengo in a show of solidarity, the Kabaka Birthday Run once again underscored its role as more than a royal celebration — serving as a unifying platform for public health advocacy and national mobilisation.
With continued commitment from cultural leaders, government agencies, and the public, Uganda hopes to move steadily closer to the goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
