The highly anticipated Kabaka Birthday Run 2025 is set for Sunday, April 6th, marking its 12th edition. This year’s event, themed ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,’ will focus on raising awareness and funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Organizers expect around 120,000 participants, up from last year’s 110,000.
A Royal Celebration for a Cause
Sponsored by Airtel Uganda, the annual run is part of the celebrations leading up to the 70th birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. The main birthday event will be held on April 13th at Rubaga Cathedral.
Before the run, the Kabaka will also inaugurate a three-storey building at St. Peter’s Secondary School in Bombo Kalule on April 5th. The school, owned by Ronald Mulondo, sits on land donated by the Kabaka after Mulondo won the CBS FM Luganda competition.
Beyond the Run
The Kabaka Birthday Run is just one of many activities planned. Other initiatives include:
- Health camps in every county and sub-county.
- The launch of a new outpatient hospital in Busimbi, Singo.
- Distribution of 18 tractors to support coffee farmers under the Mwanyi Terimba initiative.
Impact of the Kabaka Birthday Run
According to Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, the Kingdom’s Minister for Information and Mobilization, proceeds from previous runs have funded:
- HIV/AIDS education and awareness campaigns.
- Condom distribution to reduce infection rates.
- Sensitization programs in high-risk areas, including island communities.
- The purchase of motorcycles for Gombolola chiefs in 175 sub-counties for community outreach.
- The establishment of a fistula treatment centre at Kitovu Hospital, Masaka.
Beyond HIV/AIDS, the run has also raised awareness on sickle cell disease and maternal health issues like fistula.
How to Participate
Registration for the run costs UGX 20,000, covering the event kit. Kits are available at:
- Airtel service centers (Ben Kiwanuka Street, Thobani Centre, Wampewo Avenue, Forest Mall)
- Majestic Brand offices in Bulange
- Buganda Kingdom sub-county offices
- Via Airtel Money (dial *185*55#)
While the event is largely for charity, winners of the 30km and 15km races will receive prizes. A 5km race is also available for casual participants.
Airtel Uganda’s Public Relations Manager, David Birungi, emphasized the company’s long-standing partnership with the Kingdom.
He noted that the run aligns with efforts to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, a goal set by UNAIDS, for which the Kabaka serves as an African goodwill ambassador.
“The Kabaka Birthday Run is more than just a marathon; it’s a movement driving change in Uganda,” Birungi stated.
