Zombo District, Uganda: Hundreds of supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda in Zombo District turned out in large numbers on Sunday to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with calls for the next national celebration to be hosted in West Nile.
Dressed in branded birthday kits, the supporters participated in a local run held in parallel with the national “Run for Charity, Run for Hope” event at Kololo in Kampala.
The Zombo event was flagged off by Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua at Paidha Health Centre III Junction, with participants moving through key routes before converging at the Mayor’s Gardens for speeches and celebrations.
Among the notable attendees were District Police Commander Job Mutegeki, Woman MP-elect Topista Acamfua, UPDF representatives, and local leaders.
Addressing the crowd, Ayikobua praised Gen. Muhoozi’s leadership, particularly his stance on corruption and his role in maintaining national security.
“As people of Zombo, we are not just celebrating a birthday—we are celebrating peace, security, and leadership. His voice against corruption is why many of us are proud,” he said.
He also used the platform to call for improved infrastructure in the district, including tarmacked roads and a fully-fledged district hospital.
Organisers used the event to push for greater recognition of West Nile within PLU activities.
Henry Uwinji appealed to national leaders to consider hosting the next celebration in Zombo, citing strong grassroots support.
“Our people turned up in large numbers. They want to see their leader here physically,” he said, noting that mobilisation had reached communities across the district.
The call was echoed by James Okethwengu, who emphasized that support for Gen. Muhoozi in West Nile continues to grow.
At the national level, the run was flagged off at Kololo by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, representing Gen. Muhoozi.
The event, organised as a charity initiative, aims to support vulnerable children, including orphans and those lacking access to basic needs such as education and healthcare.
In a message delivered on his behalf, Gen. Muhoozi thanked Ugandans for the turnout, describing it as a reflection of unity and shared purpose.
“This is not about personal celebration, but about standing together to support those in need,” the message read.
The event also drew backing from senior political figures, including Speaker Anita Annet Among, as well as participation from youth groups, media figures, and community mobilisers across the country.
In Zombo, organisers reported overwhelming attendance that exceeded available resources, including limited birthday kits, and called for increased support to sustain PLU grassroots activities.
The growing scale of the birthday run underscores its evolution into a major national mobilisation platform, blending charity, youth engagement, and political visibility.
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