Rwenzururu Kingdom to mark Omusinga’s 69th coronation with first-ever birthday run

The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Kingdom has announced that the first-ever Omusinga Birthday Run will take place together with the 69th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma on November 14, 2025, in Kasese District.

The two major events were initially planned separately, but according to the Kingdom, the change was made after the Omusinga’s upcoming medical trip abroad. 

The coronation was rescheduled from October 19 to November 14, a date that now coincides with the King’s birthday.

In a statement signed by the Royal Minister for Information, Mobilization, and Spokesperson, Geoffrey Kanyonyi, the Kingdom confirmed the integration of the two events.

“The Obusinga wishes to officially inform the public that the 69th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma has been rescheduled to take place jointly with the Omusinga’s Birthday Run on Friday, 14th November 2025,” read the statement.

Kanyonyi added that the event will symbolize unity and thanksgiving for the Baso people.

“This divinely aligned date, which coincides with His Majesty’s birthday, will see the Run flagged off at exactly 8:00 a.m. at  Nyakasanga Playground,” he said.

The first Omusinga Birthday Run is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from across Uganda and neighboring regions. 

The race will serve as a fundraising event for several key Kingdom projects, including the establishment of a Rwenzururu Kingdom radio station, a one-stop community centre, and a cultural tourism village.

According to the organizing committee, the race will feature both competitive and fun categories, giving runners, schools, and cultural groups a chance to participate. His Majesty Omusinga Mumbere will crown the winners and award medals to the top three men and women in each category.

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

Sports events have become a growing tradition in the Rwenzori region. The Rwenzori Marathon, launched in 2022, has already drawn thousands of runners from across the world, while the Kitswamba Marathon continues to promote environmental conservation and youth empowerment.

The Kingdom hopes the new Omusinga Birthday Run will join these iconic races to promote sports tourism, fitness, and unity among the Baso people and visitors.

“This is not just a run; it is a celebration of culture, health, and togetherness,running on the same day as the coronation makes the event even more historic,” statement ends.

The joint celebration of the Omusinga’s Birthday Run and the 69th Coronation Anniversary is expected to make November 14 a memorable day for the Rwenzururu Kingdom and the people of Kasese.