The 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run was officially launched today in Kampala, marking another milestone in this annual event that combines fitness, culture, and a noble cause.
Held at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Mengo, the launch brought together officials from the kingdom and Airtel Uganda, the main sponsors.
This year’s run, scheduled for April 6, will celebrate Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 70th birthday while continuing its mission to raise awareness and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A Critical Moment in the HIV/AIDS Fight
The launch event took a serious turn as Buganda Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, addressed the looming threat posed by the recent freeze of HIV/AIDS funding by the US government.
“There is now an existential threat in the HIV/AIDS fight,” Mayiga warned. “It is high time to find ways to plug this gap. We must save money ourselves at the family and government levels. Let us stay healthy. I ask young people to use condoms—they might increase in price after the fund freeze. If possible, abstain from sex. I urge the government to prioritize the HIV/AIDS fight and allocate more funds to the health sector.”
Despite the challenges, Mayiga remained optimistic.
“We have already come a long way. Let us not relent. We shall win this fight, but we must keep pushing until the battle is won.”
He also called on men to take the lead in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.
Airtel Uganda’s Commitment
Flavia Lwanga, Airtel Uganda’s Human Resource Director, represented Managing Director Soumendra Sahu at the event.
She highlighted the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS but stressed that the battle is far from over.
“The national HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has dropped from 18% in the 1990s to 5% today, and AIDS-related deaths have also decreased. However, new infections persist, particularly among women and adolescent girls. The fight against HIV/AIDS starts with me and you. Everyone must join this effort,” Lwanga said.
She urged Ugandans to spread the message within their families and communities, calling for unity in creating a healthier and more secure future.
The Funding Crisis
Sarah Nakku Kibuuka, UNAIDS Country Community Mobilisation and Networking Adviser, expressed deep concern over the impact of the US funding freeze.
“I can’t confirm that we will achieve our goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. The freeze by the Trump administration is affecting us significantly. The US was funding over 68% of our HIV/AIDS efforts, and this gap cannot be bridged overnight,” Nakku explained.
She revealed that while the Ugandan government contributes funds, most of it goes toward purchasing drugs.
“We need 141 million annually for HIV/AIDS medicine, but the government only provides 65 million. Other critical needs, like condoms, testing kits, and voluntary male circumcision, were funded by the US. This freeze will undoubtedly affect our fight.”
The Running Kit Unveiled
Amid the sobering discussions, the launch also featured the unveiling of the 2024 Kabaka Birthday Run kit. Priced at Shs 20,000, the kit is designed to encourage participation while raising funds for the cause.
The run, which has become a symbol of unity and resilience, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Kabaka Mutebi’s 70th birthday while reinforcing the commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.
A Call to Action
The 12th Kabaka Birthday Run is more than just a race—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires collective effort, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
As Uganda faces funding challenges, initiatives like this run become even more critical in bridging the gap and keeping the momentum alive.
So, mark your calendars for April 6, grab your running kit, and join thousands of Ugandans in celebrating culture, fitness, and the fight for a healthier future. Together, we can make a difference.
