Kololo fills up as MK Birthday Run rallies support for vulnerable children

___________________

On Sunday, April 26, the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds were painted yellow and white as Ugandans participated in the birthday run for the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to celebrate his 52nd birthday.

As early as 6:30 am, people had already thronged Kololo. At the time, many interacted while they warmed up ahead of the flag off of the race.

The run was flagged off at 7:00 am by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa.

The CDF, who is also the First Son and the Senior Presidential advisor on Special Operations, dedicated this year’s birthday run to vulnerable children in Uganda.

Under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope”, the initiative, which is part of activities to mark Gen. Kainerugaba’s 52nd birthday, aims at raising funds to support vulnerable children across the country, with proceeds expected to benefit orphans, ghetto children, and other disadvantaged groups through collaboration with established organisations.

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) organised the event, led by the Secretary General, David Kabanda, who is also a Member of Parliament for Kasambya County.

In the interest of time, MP Kabanda, who had started announcing each individual’s contributions towards Gen. Muhoozi’s birthday run, later cancelled the arrangement, saying they found it important to do so on Tuesday, during a press conference.

Meanwhile, Gen. Muhoozi also hailed those who participated in the run and applauded the organisers who brainstormed the idea. "I also thank all Ugandans who voted for my father in the recently concluded general elections despite the intimidation from some people," Muhoozi added.

Outstanding runners were recognised for their achievements. Police Officer Fabia Chemutai received a reward of 1 million shillings for her first-place finish in the women's category. She was followed by Judith Aguyo from the Uganda Prison Service, who received 500,000 shillings for her second-place finish. Aisha Cherotich secured third place and was rewarded with 300,000 shillings. Gloria Mbabazi, finishing in fourth place, was awarded 200,000 shillings, while Marvelous Orishaba, in fifth place, received 100,000 shillings.

On the men's side, Peter Akwech from Uganda Prison Service emerged as the winner, followed by Abraham Kwemoyi, Felix Ayiko, Musa Ogulo, and Robert Mugarura in fifth position.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the State Minister for Defence, Huda Oleru Abason, said such events help to reunite people together for a good cause.

Senior UPDF commanders, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen Sam Okiding; Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Air Forces, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi and Commander Reserve Forces Gen. Charles Otema, also participated in the birthday run, among others.

The National Coordinator of the Ghetto youth structures in the country, Shafiq Kalyongo, hailed the Director of Crime Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira Sserunjogi, for mobilising them to attend the historical event.

“As ghetto youths, we are extremely happy that President Museveni gave birth to a son who has seen the need in us as ghetto youths through Gen. Damulira, and this is clearly reflected in the theme he chose to celebrate his 52nd birthday,” said Kalyango.