Over 2,500 runners set for first Omusinga Birthday Run in Kasese

More than 2,500 runners have registered to take part in the first-ever Omusinga Birthday Run, which will be held on Friday 14th, in Kasese District.

The event will coincide with the 59th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, the King of Rwenzururu.

According to the Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson, Geoffrey Kanyonyi, a total of 2,518 runners have already confirmed participation in the historic event.

“We have over 2,518 so far registered for the Omusinga Birthday Run. We have no foreign participant so far, except our own sons and daughters in the diaspora who will run from wherever they are,” said Kanyonyi.

He also assured participants of safety during the event, saying that the region is peaceful and well-secured.

“The security operatives have committed themselves to offer total security to every participant, and the region is now calm according to security,” he added.

Kanyonyi emphasized that health and safety are top priorities, with full support from medical teams.

“The health of every participant is guaranteed since the district health department and our Kingdom Royal Ministry of Health are working tirelessly. We have hosted coronation anniversaries with tens of thousands of people before, so the health issue is sorted,” he said.

The Omusinga Birthday Run will also act as a fundraising drive to support several key Rwenzururu Kingdom projects, including the establishment of a Kingdom radio station, a one-stop community centre, and a cultural tourism village.

The race will feature three categories — 5km, 10km, and 21km, each following a unique route within Kasese Municipality.

The 21km race (White Route) will start at Nyakasanga Lorry Park, head west through Mbarara Road, and pass the Kasese Roundabout before going north through Kilembe Mines and Hospital Road to Katiri Roundabout. Runners will then return along the same route, branching off to Crescent Road and Nyakasanga Centre Roundabout, finishing back at Nyakasanga Lorry Park.

The 10km race (Blue Route) will also start at Nyakasanga, heading east on Fort Portal Road to Rukoki District Headquarters Junction, then returning on the same road before branching off to Acholi Quarters Road. It will continue along Kilembe Road, then join Crescent Road (Skyz Street), before ending at Nyakasanga Roundabout.

The 5km race (Yellow Route) will begin at Nyakasanga Lorry Park, move towards Kasese Roundabout, and turn onto Kilembe Road, branching off at Bam Petrol Station. It will proceed through Corona Street and Nyakasanga Centre Roundabout, before finishing at the Lorry Park.

His Majesty Omusinga Mumbere will crown the winners and present medals to the top three men and women in each category.

The birthday and coronation celebrations will include a cultural gala, a memorial mass for the first Omusinga Isaya Mukirania Kibanzanga I, and a royal thanksgiving service. Other planned events include the Royal Queen’s Day and a cultural exhibition showcasing the rich Rwenzururu heritage.

The two major events were initially scheduled separately but were later combined after Omusinga's medical trip to Turkey. The coronation was moved from October 19 to November 14, aligning with the King’s birthday.

Sports activities have become part of Rwenzururu’s growing cultural celebrations. Last year, the Kingdom successfully organized the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Football Tournament, where Kasese Municipal Select FC beat Bundibugyo Select to win the first edition.

This year’s coronation will also feature the launch of the OBR Strategic Development Plan 2025/26–2029/30 at Nyakasanga Playground, followed by an evening royal party at Rwenzori Square, where the King and Queen Nyabaghole will cut the birthday cake.

 Later, a musical concert led by Kasese’s legendary musician and current Mayor Kasese Municipality,Chance Kahindo, alongside Loice Agaba (Heli Beibe), GoodHope Alex Bihamba,Fred Thong (Freddy Tinny) and many others, will entertain the Banya Rwenzururu (people from Rwenzururu Kingdom).