KAMPALA, Uganda — Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has confirmed that Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will personally attend and flag off the 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run this Sunday at the Lubiri in Mengo.
The announcement came Friday during a ceremony at Bulange where the katikkiro distributed running kits to various organizations. Mayiga urged the public to turn up in large numbers to welcome the king and participate in the run, which celebrates the Kabaka’s 71st birthday.
Beyond the festivities, Mayiga emphasized that the event remains a critical platform in the fight against HIV/AIDS, calling on participants to take the campaign seriously and adopt preventive measures. He also invited subjects to attend special prayers for the king at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Namungoona.
The event has drawn significant support from both the public and private sectors. Joseph Sewava, the presidential special envoy on Buganda affairs, purchased jerseys worth 20 million shillings and encouraged the youth to remain disciplined while seeking partnerships to improve their livelihoods.
Medical and health officials also highlighted the public health significance of the initiative. Fred Kalungi of the National Drug Authority said Uganda could reach its goal of significantly reducing HIV infections by 2030 through strict adherence to prevention guidelines.
Simon Ssebakijje of St. Francis School of Health Sciences Namataba and Ronald Mugisha of Ice Water pledged their continued support for the king’s health leadership and mobilized the public for the Sunday morning event.
Participating organizations include the Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Railways Corp., Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda Red Cross Society and King’s College Budo.
