Birthday Run preps gather pace

By James Bakama and Michael Nsubuga

Kabaka’s Birthday Run (Sunday, 7am)

PREPARATIONS for the highly-anticipated Kabaka Birthday Run gathered momentum yesterday after contributions from Mukwano Group and Kwagalana business associates.

Mukwano Group General Manager in charge of marketing Nicola Brown handed over 1,440 bars of Meditex and Yeyo soap, boxes of petroleum jelly to Buganda Sports Minister Henry Sekabembe.

The company also paid sh1m for a team of 20 runners. This was before Kwagalana Group chairman Godfrey Kirumira stormed the Vision Group offi ces and offered sh1.25m to Managing Director Robert Kabushenga.

Kirumira was accompanied by business associate Sarah Nkonge. Kwagalana is a social group of businessmen and women.

Earlier in the day, Sekabembe had been all praises for Mukwano.

“Mukwano is always willing to support worthy causes,” said Brown at the company’s offices. 

The offer will like all proceeds from Sunday’s race be in aid of the fight against Fistula.

“We are exceedingly humbled. We appealed to very many corporates but only a few have so far come on board like Mukwano,” stated Sekabembe.

Mukwano Public Relations Liaison Officer Douglas Mazune said the offer is in line with their corporate social responsibility.

There will be a 21km race besides the 5 and 10km races.

The Uganda Police will not only ensure safety and security of the runners but will also have some of their officers in action.

Vision Group through their flagship brand Bukedde have already committed sh110m towards the run.

The other sponsors are Airtel (sh100m), International Medical group, Central Broadcasting Service, Mad Advertising, Events Warehouse, Rwenzori Mineral Water, Hotel Africana, Lugazi mixed school, Muteesa 1 Royal University, Samona, and several individuals.