Parliament has allocated a significant sum of 50 million shillings for the prestigious Kabaka Birthday Run, in honor of His Royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II scheduled for April 7, 2024.
The Buganda Parliamentary Caucus also purchased kits for 529 MPs worth Shs10,580,000.The Speaker and MPs also gifted the Kabaka with birthday presents.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, spearheaded the initiative, leading a team of MPs including her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa to Bulange-Mengo on Tuesday, to formally present Parliament’s support for the annual run, in a move to combat HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
The group was welcomed by the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga among other officials of the kingdom. The visit of the Speaker to Bulange, as described by Mayiga, marks a significant moment in the collaboration between the Kingdom and Parliament. He said it is the first time such a visit has occurred, indicating a deeper partnership aimed at addressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS.
Mayiga revealed that the Kabaka birthday runs, themed on HIV/AIDS for the past five years, reflect this commitment. He also urged Parliament to prioritize the health sector in their legislative agenda, ensuring better hospitals, proper equipment, medication availability, and fair compensation for health workers.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception at Bulange, Mengo, Speaker Among emphasized Parliament’s moral obligation to lead by example in tackling the HIV/AIDS scourge. She called upon companies and citizens of goodwill to join the cause, highlighting the theme of this year’s run: “Men are stars in the fight against HIV/AIDS to save the Girl Child.”
Among also extended gratitude towards the Buganda Kingdom for their efforts in complementing the government’s initiatives to combat the epidemic. This collaborative approach, she noted, is crucial in achieving the ambitious goal set by UNAIDS to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, aligning with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a common emphasis on health.
“We welcome the effort of the Buganda Kingdom in complementing Government’s effort in combating HIV/AIDS. This will certainly contribute to the UNAIDS target of eliminating HIV/AIDS.” she said
Furthermore, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during plenary on Tuesday afternoon urged all 529 MPs to participate in the Kabaka Birthday Run, with Buganda Caucus covering the cost of kits for each member.
“The Buganda caucus has bought a kit for each MP, so there is no reason for you not to run. If you don’t go to run, please refund that money so that we can take it to Mengo. If you can’t run, contribute in another way.” he said
Tayebwa emphasized the importance of collective involvement, stating, “If you don’t go to run, please refund that money so that we can take it to Mengo. If you can’t run, contribute in another way.”
The 11th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, organized by Buganda Kingdom and Airtel Uganda, is set to be held on April 7, 2024. This annual event has become a significant fixture on Uganda’s calendar, championing noble causes that resonate with the community. T
his year’s run aims to rally support for the fight against HIV/AIDS, aligning with the UNAIDS target of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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