Mengo, Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni has boosted preparations for this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run with a donation of 600 running kits worth UGX 15 million, delivered through the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) headed by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye.
The donation was formally handed over at Bulange Mengo, where Namyalo and her delegation were received by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
Delivering the President’s message, Namyalo, popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu, commended the Buganda Kingdom for using the annual run as a platform to fight HIV/AIDS, reaffirming government’s commitment to ending the epidemic.
“President Museveni’s commitment towards fighting HIV has never changed,” Namyalo said, expressing optimism that Uganda can achieve the target of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030 through collective effort.
She also praised the Kingdom’s leadership for mobilising communities around health awareness and prevention initiatives.
Mayiga Applauds ONC Support, Calls for Unity
In his remarks, Katikkiro Mayiga welcomed the support and lauded the ONC for consistently participating in Buganda Kingdom activities. “All politicians should copy Namyalo. In whatever she is doing, her kingdom comes first. We can change religions and political parties, but we cannot change our tribes,” Mayiga said.
He further thanked President Museveni for his continued role in national development, including efforts to fight corruption.
Since assuming leadership at ONC, Namyalo has maintained a visible presence at Buganda Kingdom events, reinforcing collaboration between the ruling National Resistance Movement and the Kingdom.
Her participation in initiatives such as the Kabaka Birthday Run and community outreach programs has been seen as part of broader efforts to bridge political and cultural institutions in mobilising citizens around development and health campaigns.
The Kabaka Birthday Run, held annually in honour of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has grown into one of Uganda’s largest public health campaigns.
Launched in 2014, the run initially focused on fistula awareness before expanding to address broader health concerns, including sickle cell disease and, in recent years, HIV/AIDS.
Each edition attracts tens of thousands of participants from across Uganda and the diaspora, using sport as a tool to mobilise communities around critical health issues.
This year’s edition aligns with Buganda Kingdom’s renewed push to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030, with strong emphasis on prevention, testing, and stigma reduction.
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