Politics 11 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Police Prohibit Bobi Wine Slogans and Political Messages at Kabaka’s Birthday Run
Security forces have banned all political slogans, symbols, and alterations on kits for the 2026 Kabaka’s Birthday Run in Kampala, marking the Kabaka’s 71st birthday. Strict measures, including undercover operatives and traffic diversions, are in place to ensure a peaceful, health-focused event amid past politicization concerns. Source: https://observer.ug/news/police-bans-bobi-wine-slogans-from-kabakas-birthday-run
Security agencies have issued a firm ban on political messages, party symbols, or any modifications to kits for this year’s Kabaka’s Birthday Run in Kampala, coinciding with the Kabaka’s 71st birthday on Sunday.
At a briefing in Bulange, Mengo, Capt. Christopher Lutwaama, the kingdom’s security head, emphasized tight security protocols. Covert operatives will join runners in all categories, with personnel stationed along routes to spot threats.
Runners must wear unmodified 2026 kits—no names, slogans, knives, or suspicious items—or face denial at entry points, Lutwaama warned. This follows 2025 incidents where NUP songs politicized the health event.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed joint deployments, including counter-terrorism and UPDF teams in uniform and plain clothes, restricting access to new kits only.
Traffic commander ASP Godwin Arinaitwe outlined diversions: Ndeeba traffic via Ring Road to Zing Zing; Clock Tower vehicles to Zing Zing except authorized; Nabunya to Kabusu–Memorial–Rubaga. No access to Nabunya crossroads or Lubiri gate stretch except for runners; parking bans with towing, using sites like Nnabagereka Primary School.
Kingdom spokesperson Israel Kazibwe Kitooke called for no violence. The 13th run at Lubiri under the theme “Men’s role in promoting good health to save the girl child and end HIV by 2030” expects 120,000 participants.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)