Buganda Kingdom, Airtel Uganda Unveil 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run Kit
David GOMBE
Airtel Uganda, in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom have on Wednesday, 26th February unveiled the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run kit at Bulange-Mengo, the Buganda Kingdom Headquarters.
The 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, scheduled for April 6, 2025, will be held under the theme “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child.” This annual event celebrates the birthday of King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, with proceeds and efforts dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, aiming to eliminate the epidemic in Uganda by 2030.
For the past 11 years, Airtel Uganda has proudly sponsored the Kabaka Birthday Run, striving to improve lives and address societal challenges affecting communities not only in Buganda but across Uganda.
Speaking at the event, Airtel Uganda’s Human Resource Manager, Flavia Lwanga, said, “Airtel is privileged to be part of the Kabaka Birthday Run.
This year marks 11 years of partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, a journey we are immensely proud of. Over the years, our collaboration has grown and focused on improving lives and addressing societal challenges that impact the communities in which we live and operate.”
Lwanga added, “Today, we gather once again to reaffirm our commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the goal of eliminating the epidemic from Uganda by 2030. This journey, which began in 2019, now marks five years of dedicated effort toward this cause.
Rallying under the theme ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,’ we urge men to take the lead in this battle, recognizing their crucial role in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. This is not just a call to action but a movement that aligns deeply with Airtel Uganda’s commitment to community well-being and sustainable impact.”
According to the latest data released by the Uganda AIDS Commission as of 2024, Uganda has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS.
The national HIV prevalence rate has decreased from approximately 18% in the 1990s to 5.1% in 2024. New HIV infections have declined from 68,000 annually to 38,000, and AIDS-related deaths have reduced from 30,000 to 20,000 per year and this highlights the notable efforts by government, cultural inst
While officiating the event, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, commended the impact of the Kabaka Birthday Run, noting that its efforts are beginning to yield positive results. He also praised His Majesty the Kabaka for his foresight, which has benefited not only his subjects but the entire country.
“We are pleased to see that our commitment and efforts toward eliminating HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030 are starting to show progress. When we look at the data from UNAIDS and the Uganda AIDS Commission, it is clear that we are making a difference. This progress motivates and encourages us to continue the fight,” said Owek. Mayiga.
He added, “The Buganda Kingdom values the support of partners like Airtel Uganda, whose dedication over the past 11 years has been instrumental in driving meaningful change. We encourage our people to support them by subscribing to their services and products, which are seamless and reliable. We also pledge to continue this partnership, as it brings great value to the Kingdom.”
This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run kit will cost UGX 20,000 and can be purchased at select Airtel shops, including Airtel Shop New Taxi Park, Shoprite – Ben Kiwanuka, and Thobani Centre. Alternatively, participants can make payments via Airtel Money and collect their kits from any of the mentioned locations.
“Funding for HIV care has been impacted by global forces, so we must come together as a people and mobilize ourselves to support local efforts aimed at fighting HIV and ending it by 2030. I urge all Ugandans to participate in this year’s 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run. Together, we can make a significant difference,” Lwanga concluded.