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Tens of thousands of Ugandans braved the morning rain on Sunday, April 6th, to take part in the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run.
An estimated 120,000 people showed up at the Bulange Mengo palace for the annual event, which celebrates the birthday of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The marathon, which marks its 12th edition this year, also serves as a major fundraiser and awareness campaign for the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
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A Warm Welcome for the Kabaka
The Kabaka arrived early in the morning to an ecstatic crowd of participants who had been waiting since the early hours to catch a glimpse of their monarch.
He was joined by members of the royal family, including Nalinya Agnes Nabaloga, Princes David Wasajja, Chripin Jjunju Kiweewa, Richard Ssemakokiro, Derrick Walugembe, and Mbogo.
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The royal entourage also included several prominent officials from both the Kingdom of Buganda and the central government, including Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the state minister for youth and children affairs.
In his speech, delivered by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, the Kabaka urged the men of Buganda and Uganda to take a leading role in combating HIV/AIDS.
He reminded the crowd of the kingdom’s history of warriors, noting that the fight against the disease is a modern-day battle.
"It is up to us men to fight this enemy," he said, rallying his people to unite for the cause.
The Kabaka also called for solidarity within the kingdom, stressing the importance of unity in facing external forces that seek to divide them.
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Airtel Uganda’s Support
The event, which was sponsored by Airtel Uganda, aims not only to celebrate the Kabaka's birthday but also to raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention efforts.
Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, the Kingdom’s minister for information and mobilisation, explained that the proceeds from the run would go towards various initiatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including the provision of condoms, gloves, medicines, and more.
David Birungi, the public relations manager at Airtel Uganda, expressed the company’s commitment to the cause.
"We work with the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom to put resources on the table and rally Ugandans to participate in the run," Birungi said.
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He also highlighted past achievements of the event, such as the establishment of a regional treatment facility for fistula at Kitovu Hospital in Masaka, funded by previous marathons.
Previous Achievements and Future Goals
The Kabaka Birthday Run has made significant strides in raising awareness about public health issues.
Over the past 12 years, the event has contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, lowering prevalence rates, and improving education about the disease.
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This year’s theme, "Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child," reflects the ongoing effort to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS and other health issues within the kingdom and beyond.
Apart from the marathon, the pre-birthday celebrations include the opening of a new three-storey building at St. Peter’s Secondary School Bombo Kalule, in memory of the Kabaka.
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The event also includes health camps in every county and sub-county, the launch of an outpatient hospital in Busimbi, Singo, and the distribution of tractors to support local coffee farmers.