Sweat, selfies, and solidarity: A day at Lubiri for the Kabaka Birthday Run

A large and diverse crowd gathered at the Lubiri grounds yesterday for the Kabaka Birthday Run, marking Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s 71st birthday. 

This year’s event, themed “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,” highlighted the collective responsibility led by men to end HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030. 

Proceeds will support awareness and fundraising efforts against the disease. Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II officially flagged off the run, joined by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga; the German ambassador to Uganda, Matthias Schauer; Airtel managing director Soumendra Sahu; I&M Bank’s Executive Director Sam Ntulume; and other dignitaries. 

Prince David Wasajja, the youngest brother of the Kabaka, and Prince Richard Ssemakokiro, 15, the second son and youngest child of the Kabaka, also participated in the run alongside an array of politicians and corporates. The event featured 21, 10, and 5 km routes. 

The event featured vibrant displays of joy and unity, with participants dancing and celebrating in various ways.

Like many similar events in the country, the event continues not only to attract enthusiastic fitness enthusiasts trying to shed a few calories on the day but also to serve as an outing for families, friends, schoolchildren, and the old, all in the love of the Kabaka, as well as an avenue for providing fun. Because of the numbers, there was hardly room for running before moving out of the Lubiri, yet for many just showing up and taking a few selfies as well as enjoying the musical performances on the day provided enough satisfaction before they left at leisure.

The run was supported by over 40 corporate companies, including New Vision and Bukedde.

 Uganda Baati hosted an on-site mobile clinic tent, offering counseling, testing, and awareness materials to empower participants with knowledge that promotes healthier choices.

Jackie Tahakanizibwa, the Head of Corporate and External Affairs at Uganda Baati, said they were excited to be a part of the Kavaka Birthday Run, not only for the activity but also for creating awareness about HIV and AIDS, which is the theme of this year's run.

“We want to appreciate the Kabaka of Buganda for being so deliberate about this particular health cause. And for looking out for the girl child, because many a time the girls and the young women are more vulnerable to contracting HIV and AIDS,” she noted. 

“But most importantly, we have invested in clinics in Kampala and Tororo offering free HIV testing, free medication to some vulnerable communities, and free counseling services. We have subsidized medical services as well. Because we know that not everybody can really afford the health services in Uganda. (1:30) Because we understand as well that getting access to good health in our country may be a little bit expensive for some of our communities. And we want to ensure that our people are healthy. because only health communities can purchase from us.”

Earlier on Friday during a partner and sponsors recognition function at Bulange, the Katikkiro Mayiga advised corporate companies and couples to always have the courage to test for HIV/AIDS or advise their employees to do the same because, as human beings, we have the capacity to understand that sexual activity can have life-threatening consequences.

 “As humans, we have the capacity to understand that sexual activity can have life-threatening consequences. I encourage you to share this message with your colleagues in your organizations. I think it's the best way to wake people up. Because we've got 1.5 million Ugandans with HIV/AIDS. That's deadly. We need to talk directly to the people we interact with in workplaces, political offices, and everywhere,” Mayiga advised.