'Biggest' turn-out at Kabaka's Birthday Run

Kampala was painted red Sunday morning as hundreds of runners streamed through the city in celebration of the Kabaka's birthday.

Kabaka Ronald Mutebi, flanked by Princess Katrina Sangalyambogo, flagged off what was by all signs the biggest turn-out for the annual run. (Click here for more pictures)

It was the first time that the king, who turns 61 this week, was setting off the runners together with his daughter at Lubiri.

Organisers put the number of runners at over 15,000. The increase in participants was also evident in the 21 kilometer race that usually attracts the smallest entry.

Those who couldn't make it to Lubiri were kept up-to-date with live Bukeddde Radio and TV broadcasts.

Enthusiastic participants were taken through aerobic drills before the run. There was also music from various artistes.

The crowd went wild when Daxx Kartel took the microphone with his hugely popular hit Baala.

Chief runner Prince David Wassajja again completed the half marathon (21km).

Deputy Katikiro Apollo Makubuya also completed the same race together with the run's organizing committee chairman - also Vision Group CEO - Robert Kabushenga.

Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga thanked the participants for turning up in big numbers and also commended the sponsors.

Proceeds from the run will go towards the fight against the deadly Fistula disease. Last year sh70m was handed over to Kitovu hospital towards this cause. A total of sh50m was raised for the same project in 2014.

The main celebrations are slated for Wednesday at Naggalabi, Budo hill.

The run is the biggest of a birthday sports program that also has cycling, golf, Omweso, swimming and squash.

Airtel, Vision Group, CBS, Rwenzori Beverages, MAAD Advertising, Post Bank, Events Warehouse, Buganda Land Board and Vita Foam are some of the run's sponsors.

UAP, Nabisunsa Girls School, Roofings Group,Top Micro Finance Bank Kololo , Multichoice, University School Kisaasi, Kiira Motors Nile Breweries, Harris International and KPMG  contributed towards the cause.

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