President Museveni has donated fifty million shillings (UGX 50M) to Buganda Kingdom to support the upcoming Kabaka’s birthday run. The donation was delivered on the President’s behalf by Hajjat Namyalo, Head of the Office of the National Chairman (NRM), on Friday, April 5, 2024.
The highly-anticipated Kabaka’s birthday run is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 7, 2024, with the theme “Men are stars in the fight against HIV/AIDS to save the Girl Child.” The event aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and halt its spread within the country.
During the donation handover ceremony to the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Hajjat Namyalo expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for his support and acknowledged the significance of the event. She explained that the President was pleased with the idea of the Kabaka’s birthday run and wholeheartedly endorsed it.
“I had a meeting with the National Chairman in Rwakitura earlier this week, where I briefed him about the Kabaka’s birthday run organized by the Bazzukulu in Buganda Kingdom. The run aims to sensitize Ugandans about HIV/AIDS and curb its spread. President Museveni was not only delighted with the initiative but also urged me to come and show our support,” Namyalo announced.
In response, Katikkiro Mayiga expressed his gratitude to Hajjat Namyalo for her continuous support to the kingdom during various events, and he commended President Museveni and the NRM government for their unwavering efforts in the fight against AIDS.
“We are thrilled that Hajjat Namyalo has once again come forward to support us. Her presence has been felt on numerous occasions, and this year she has shown her commitment to our cause by donating 50 million shillings for the run,” said Katikkiro Mayiga.
Emphasizing the importance of government support, Katikkiro Mayiga recalled President Museveni’s dedication to combating HIV/AIDS since he assumed power in 1986. He acknowledged that the fight against the disease requires collective efforts and collaboration with the government.
The 11th Kabaka Birthday Run will commence and conclude at the Kabaka Palace in Lubiri–Mengo. This year signifies the second year of a three-year campaign focusing on combating HIV/AIDS.
Various sponsors, including Airtel Uganda, I&M Bank Uganda, Nivana Water, UNAIDS, Uganda AIDS Commission, CBS Radio, BBS Terefayina, New Vision, and Daily Monitor, have lent their support to the run.
For those interested in participating, kits are available at Bulange Mengo and select Airtel Uganda shops, such as Thobani Center on Ben Kiwanuka Street and the New Tax Park. Runners can also conveniently purchase kits using Airtel Money by dialing *185#, selecting option 5, and then choosing KABAKA RUN.
With President Museveni’s generous donation and widespread support from sponsors, Kabaka’s birthday run is anticipated to be a resounding success in raising awareness and fighting against HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
