12th Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run Marks a Milestone in Health Awareness

April 6, 2025 – The 12th edition of the Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run, a pivotal event in Uganda's health awareness initiatives, saw an impressive turnout of about 120,000 participants at Bulange Mengo palace, despite the early morning rain. This significant event was not only a celebration of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s upcoming 70th birthday but also a major campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Held under the theme “Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” the run aims to intensify efforts to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. The event kicked off at Lubiri, Mengo, with the Kabaka himself flagging off the participants. Accompanied by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, and other key officials, the start was a momentous occasion, underscoring the Kabaka's commitment to health causes.

In his speech delivered by the Katikkiro, Kabaka Mutebi emphasized the severity of HIV/AIDS as one of the greatest challenges facing both the nation and the world. He called for continuous vigilance and collective action to combat the spread of the virus.

The Katikkiro, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, stressed the importance of this year's theme, stating, “This year, we continue to amplify our message, Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child. The Kabaka Birthday Run is not just a celebration of His Majesty’s life but a rallying call to enhance public health in our nation.”

Airtel Uganda, through its Managing Director Soumendra Sahu, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Ugandan community. “It's inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans unite for a cause that directly impacts their communities,” remarked Sahu. He also highlighted the challenges in funding but reaffirmed the importance of strengthening local initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free Uganda by 2030.

The Kabaka Birthday Run has grown into one of Uganda’s most significant health awareness initiatives, advocating for various causes over the years, including sickle cell awareness, fistula prevention, and now, the fight against HIV/AIDS. This event serves as both a major awareness campaign and a fundraiser, making it a cornerstone of community health efforts.

As the run precedes Kabaka Mutebi’s 70th birthday, it adds a celebratory layer to the event, making it not just a health campaign but also a tribute to the life and contributions of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II towards improving the health and well-being of his people.