Kabaka Birthday Run Grows to 120,000 Participants in HIV Fight

The Kabaka Birthday Run, marking Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s birthday, began over a decade ago as a modest event with around 500 runners focused on health issues like obstetric fistula and sickle cell disease. It has since transformed into a major platform for unity and public health action.

By 2022, participation reached about 80,000, coinciding with the introduction of the theme ‘Men Are Stars — Abaami Munyeenye’ to involve men and boys in Uganda’s HIV response, particularly in Buganda.

Last year marked a milestone with over 120,000 kits sold, generating up to Shs 2.4 billion for HIV/AIDS testing, awareness, and outreach. At the 2026 launch in Bulange, Charles Peter Mayiga called it a key mobilizational tool, crediting the Kabaka’s influence for behavior change among youth and men.

Unlike elite races, the event prioritizes inclusivity, welcoming families, schools, workers, elderly, youth groups, and diaspora without prizes or professional competitors. Prof. Twaha Kaawaase, First Deputy Katikkiro, stressed its unifying power through sheer numbers.

Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director Soumendra Sahu praised its role in celebrating the Kabaka while tackling HIV, noting participants become advocates in branded kits.

Health data shows progress: national HIV prevalence fell from 7.3% in 2010 to 4.9% in 2024, with new infections dropping from 96,000 to 37,000. In Buganda, treatment coverage rose to 89% and new infections declined 21% from 2020-2024, linked to events like the Run.

Partners including Majestic Brands, I&M Bank, dfcu Bank, Nation Media Group, UNAIDS, and Uganda AIDS Commission drive its success. UNAIDS Country Director Jotham Mubangizi aims for zero new infections, deaths, and stigma by 2030.

The 2026 Run is set for April 12 at Lubiri-Mengo, themed ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,’ with kits at Shs 25,000 and distances of 5km, 10km, and 21km.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)