The 12^th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, ensuring the eradication of HIV/AIDS

Kampala city is warming up for the 12^th edition of the Kabaka Birthday run scheduled to take place on 6^th April 2025. The Kabaka Birthday Run is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the birthday of the King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

The run was initiated in 2012 by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwende Mutebi II, in partnership with the Uganda Athletics Federation and other stakeholders The main purpose of the run is to promote health and wellness, while also raising funds for various community development projects in the Buganda Kingdom. The event has become a cornerstone of community engagement and health advocacy and promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, unity, and a shared commitment to a healthier future.

The first edition of the run took place on April 13, 2012, with over 10,000 participants. The event has gained popularity over the years, attracting more participants and sponsors, including tourists interested in cultural experiences. In 2013, the run was themed “Run for Health” and focused on promoting healthy living among the population.

In 2016, the run was expanded to include more distance categories, including a 21km half-marathon. The event continued to grow in popularity, with over 20,000 participants in 2018. In 2019, the run was themed “Men at Work” and focused on promoting men’s health and wellness.

In 2020, the run was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2022, with a new theme “Run for a Cause” focused on raising funds for community projects. Over the years, the kabaka Birthday Run has focused on promoting health and well being with efforts in fighting against HIV/AIDS, Fistula and Sickle cell anaemia.

The event has also become a major sporting event in Uganda, attracting top athletes and promoting sports tourism. The 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run is scheduled to take place on April 6, 2025. The theme for this year’s run is “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child” and is dedicated towards ensuring the eradication of HIV AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

With the withdrawal of the HIV/AIDS funding by USAID, this run couldn’t have come at a better time. At the launch of the event held on 3^rd March 2025 in Kampala, the AIRTEL Human resource Manager; Flavia Lwanga said, “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.” AIRTEL has been the official partner and sponsor of KBR for the past 11 years and the even has brought a significant impact in the Buganda community.

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 and other partners.

Over 120,000 runners are set to participate in this edition if the KBR. The main event will be held at Lubiri Palace, with mini events organized across Buganda and the Diaspora for those unable to attend the main event.

On the day of the event, Participants can choose to run either the 5km, 10km or 21km route but a fun walk is also organized for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

There will be local artists to perform traditional music and dances and also exhibitions showcasing Buganda’s rich cultural heritage and history will be set up for participants to explore and buy.

For every edition of the KBR including this one, free HIV/AIDS testing and counselling services will provided to participants. Other health screenings, such as blood pressure and sugar level checks, may also be available.

The event organisers always partner with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) to set up blood transfusion/donation centres along the marathon route or at a designated station. The donation process is conducted in a safe and hygienic environment by trained medical professionals. The blood donation drive at the KBR helps to meet the demand for blood in health facilities in Buganda Kingdom. Blood donation encourages people to save lives and give back to their community and promotes a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility.

Another important activity at the KBR is the community outreach programme and fundraising events to raise funds and resources for charitable initiatives including supporting people with HIV/AIDS.

Local and international artists are expected to perform live music to entertain participants and spectators. There will also be a variety of food and drink vendors , offering local cuisines; an opportunity for international visitors to try out Buganda’s delicacies.

Finally, winners of the run receive prizes and recognition during a ceremony and all participants receive certificates of participation.

The official KBR 2025 kit is priced at 20,000 UGX (~ $5.3) and is available at selected Airtel shops. Participants can also pay via Airtel’s *185# and collect kits at Airtel’s Wampewo shop.

To sum it up, the KBR is an event visitors and citizens in Uganda can not afford to miss. It is an opportunity to give back to the community and also have an insight into the customs and traditions of Buganda Kingdom; the biggest kingdom in Uganda. Let us paint the city Red on 6^th April 2025!