Kampala, Uganda: The 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run on Sunday recorded its biggest turnout yet, attracting an estimated 130,000 participants in a powerful show of unity as Uganda ramps up efforts to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Held in honour of the Kabaka of Buganda, His Royal Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who marked his 71st birthday, the annual run has grown into one of the country’s most influential platforms for public health mobilisation.
The Kabaka, making his rare public appearance before his subjects, flagged off participants across the 5km, 10km, and 21km race categories, symbolising his continued commitment to health advocacy.
This year’s theme, “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” emphasized the role of men in reducing new infections and protecting vulnerable groups.
Speaking after the run, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga called on Ugandans to treat the run as a call to action rather than a symbolic event. “This year, our key message is very clear: Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he said.
“The Kabaka Birthday Run is not merely a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, but a wake-up call to intensify our efforts in the fight for better health in Uganda,” Mayiga added.
The run attracted participation from key stakeholders across sectors, including Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Talda, who joined the 10km race. “It is inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans unite in such great numbers for a cause that touches so many families,” Talda said.
“Each one of us is here to contribute to the effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
ONC Extends Support to Runners
In a show of community solidarity, the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), under the leadership of Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, provided meals and refreshments to hundreds of participants.
Namyalo, represented by former NRM CEC candidate Hakim Kyeswa, said the initiative was aimed at supporting runners who had travelled long distances without meals. “We have served hundreds of participants today, many of whom left their homes early without taking anything,” Kyeswa said.
“This reflects the deep care and commitment to the well-being of the bazzukulu.”
Participants at the ONC tent received water, soft drinks, and fresh fruits, helping them recover after the physically demanding run.
A Growing Health Movement
Since its launch in 2014, the Kabaka Birthday Run has evolved into a major platform for health advocacy, previously focusing on issues such as sickle cell disease and fistula.
This year’s focus on HIV/AIDS aligns with Uganda’s national target of eliminating the disease as a public health threat by 2030.
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, an estimated 1.4–1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with adult prevalence rates ranging between 4.9% and 5.4%.
Although AIDS-related deaths have declined by 64% since 2010 to about 20,000 annually, approximately 37,000 new infections are still recorded each year—highlighting the urgency of sustained awareness and prevention efforts.
The Kabaka Birthday Run continues to stand out as a unique blend of cultural pride and public health advocacy, bringing together people from all walks of life under a shared national cause.
As Uganda pushes toward its 2030 HIV/AIDS elimination goal, the growing scale of the run signals both progress and the need for continued collective action.
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