Thousands Unite in Kabaka Birthday Run to Fight HIV/AIDS

Thousands of Ugandans turned out for the highly anticipated 11th Edition of the Airtel-Kabaka Birthday Run, showcasing a powerful display of unity against HIV/AIDS.

Held today at Lubiri under the theme “Men against HIV/AIDS to save the Girl Child,” the Run serves as a precursor to the birthday celebrations of the Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and also as a platform for championing better public health in Uganda’s communities.

Since its inception in 2003, the annual Kabaka Birthday Run has rallied Ugandans to celebrate the Kabaka’s life and support efforts to reduce the burden of disease within their communities.

The past two editions focused on ending the spread of HIV/AIDS, aiming for an AIDS-free future by 2030, following achievements against sickle cell disease and fistula.

Manoj Murali, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming turnout in support of improving public health.

He stated, “We are pleased that Ugandans continue to rally behind this campaign to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. Our partnership with Buganda Kingdom solidifies our sustainability agenda, and through Airtel Cares, we boost sectors that improve Ugandans’ well-being, including health, education, and agriculture.”

According to the World Health Organization, Uganda has achieved a remarkable 77% decline in HIV infections among newborns, dropping from 20,000 cases in 2010 to 5,900 in 2022.

Data from the Uganda AIDS Commission in 2023 confirms a promising decrease in overall HIV/AIDS new infections and deaths, with new infections dropping from 66,000 in 2015 to 52,000 in 2022 and deaths decreasing from 26,000 in 2015 to 17,000 in 2022.

Addressing the participants of the 2024 Kabaka Birthday Run, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed his delight at the large turnout.

He commended their support for the health drive to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, noting the progress shown in available data. He emphasized the strengthening of His Highness’s role as a goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness in Uganda.

“Building on last year’s theme, ‘Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,’ the 11th edition continues to champion the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda,” Mayiga said.

He expressed gratitude to Airtel Uganda, the premium partner, whose foresightedness and unwavering support have yielded significant results for the nation, particularly in improving livelihoods among Buganda and the entire nation.