MENGO, KAMPALA — The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have jointly contributed over Shs90 million to support this year’s Kabaka’s Birthday Run, a landmark event marking Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 70th birthday.
The significant cash injection was aimed at purchasing kits for participants, highlighting both parties’ renewed commitment to public health and unity.
During the handover at Bulange, Mengo, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga urged political players to move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on long-term investment in the health sector.
“If you want to win the hearts of Buganda, invest in health,” Mayiga said pointedly. “We visited Buruuli, and expectant mothers were giving birth under kerosene-lit candles—todooba. That’s unacceptable in this age.”
Leading the PLU delegation, Michael Toyota announced that their contribution had doubled from last year’s Shs20 million to Shs30 million.
Matching the spirit of generosity, the NRM Buganda Caucus also contributed Shs30 million, bringing the combined total to Shs60 million for kits alone.
Additional fundraising brought the overall total above Shs90 million.
Toyota reaffirmed PLU’s focus on fighting HIV/AIDS, a cause central to this year’s run.
“We are committed to improving quality of life. This contribution goes beyond a run—it’s a stand against HIV/AIDS,” he stated.
Darlen Kamusiime, assistant to PLU Vice National Chairman Michael Toyota, emphasized the run’s unifying power.
“The Kabaka’s Birthday Run unites people around a purpose. This year, we’re pushing for more male participation in HIV/AIDS prevention.”
The 2024 edition of the Birthday Run puts a spotlight on HIV/AIDS awareness, aligning with Kabaka Mutebi’s long-standing advocacy as a UNAIDS ambassador.
With a strong turnout expected, the run not only celebrates Buganda’s cultural heritage but also underscores collective responsibility in health promotion.
