Kabaka's Run attracts hefty funding

Mar 05, 2014

THERE will be a 21 kilometer race besides 5 and 10km races on a course that will after flag-off at Lubiri have participants running past the kingdom’s historic sites like Bulange

By James Bakama 

UGANDANS will have a chance of fighting the deadly Fistula disease by participating in the Kabaka’s Birthday Run.

Proceeds from the April 6 event will go towards the prevention and cure of the disease that has affected hundreds of women in Uganda.

Airtel Uganda today became the first company to heed to the call for funding with a sh100m offer towards the fundraising drive.

“When we were approached we immediately came on board. Prevention and cure of Fistula is a cause that must be supported,” said Airtel Money Director Nuhu Kanyike at Bulange this morning.

true

Mayiga leads the gathering though the Buganda Kingdom anthem. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

true

The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga launched the registration of the April 6 race.

There will be a 21 kilometer race besides 5 and 10km races on a course that will after flag-off at Lubiri have participants running past the kingdom’s historic sites like Bulange, Kabaka’s lake and the Kasubi royal tombs.

“I urge people to register in big numbers,” said the Katikkiro explaining that besides the physical activity being healthy for the participants, it was also noble that a helping hand is rendered people suffering from Fistula.

He also urged Ugandans to exercise regularly. “The Kabaka jogs daily. The other day he was jogging in Buegerere and people were saying that the Kabaka looks good, but that is partly because he exercises.”

true

Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga who doubles as the chairman of the run's organising comittee reports to Mayiga on the progress of preparations. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

true

Mayiga flanked by Kabushenga and Henry Ssekabembe, the Kingdom's sports and recreation minister, signs on the registration forms for the April 6th race whose proceedes will go towards fighting Fistula. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo. 

Vision Group Managing Director Robert Kabushenga, who is the event’s organizing committee chairman, noted that besides airtel, other companies like Rwenzori Mineral Water, Central Broadcasting Service, Bukedde, Mad Advertising and Events Warehouse have also promised support.

Registration will be at Bulange in Mengo and Bukedde at the Vision Group headquarters in Industrial Area. Airtel will also offer a line on which to register.

The Katikkiro thanked Kabushenga’s committee for a job well done. He also urged more companies to come on board adding that most of the kingdom’s programs today are hinged on social and economic transformation.

true

Mayiga chats with representatives from telecom giants Airtel who have sunk shs100m into the event. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

true

Organising comittee members pose for a group photo after the event. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

“It also makes a lot of business sense to partner with Buganda because the kingdom has 70% of the country’s market.”

Buganda’s Minister of Health Dr. Ben Mukwaya stressed the importance regular medical check-ups for expectant mothers as a way of avoiding fistula.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});