Sports 12 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kabaka Birthday Run Turns Mengo into Vibrant Carnival of Unity and Purpose
The 13th Kabaka Birthday Run drew over 130,000 participants in a sea of red kits, flagged off by His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, transforming Mengo-Lubiri into a festive movement against HIV/Aids. Dry weather and sold-out kits highlighted the event's massive appeal, blending sport, music, and community action for health awareness. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/kabaka-birthday-run-one-big-carnival-5421066
The Mengo-Lubiri grounds buzzed with energy by 6:00am as runners danced, stretched, and anticipated the Kabaka’s arrival. Defying typical rainy mornings, clear skies set the stage for a memorable 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run.
His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II arrived at 7:40am, greeted by thunderous cheers. At exactly 8:00am, he raised the Buganda-Uganda flag, launching thousands into the streets in a wave of red.
More than a race, the event united elite athletes in the 21km half marathon, 10km runners, and families in the 5km mass run. Routes wound through key Kampala roads like Kabaka Anjagala and Bombo Road, looping back to a celebratory finish without medal pressures.
All 130,000 kits, priced at Shs25,000 and provided by Airtel Uganda, sold out rapidly. Airtel’s PR Manager David Birungi emphasized its role in sparking HIV/Aids conversations, urging men to protect the girl child and promoting testing.
Last year’s event raised Shs2.9 billion for sensitization and outreach. Corporates like I&M Bank and Uganda Baati joined in force, with leaders praising the run’s power to foster shared responsibility and awareness.
Post-run, the atmosphere exploded into a festival with live music, mingling politicians, business figures, and everyday participants, turning Mengo into a hub of joy and purpose.
Event Highlights:
- Theme: Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/Aids by 2030
- Participation: 130,000+ runners
- Focus: HIV testing, counseling, and campaigns