Buganda Kingdom has officially launched the 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, renewing calls for men to take a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the protection of the girl child.
The launch ceremony was held at Bulange and presided over by the Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, who also unveiled the official 2026 run kit.
The annual run, which marks the start of celebrations for the Kabaka’s birthday, will take place on April 12, 2026, and will be flagged off at Lubiri.
This year’s theme is: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
Speaking at the launch, Mayiga described awareness, engagement and communication as critical tools in combating HIV/AIDS.
“The Kabaka’s Birthday Run is a mobilisation platform His Majesty uses to send the right messages and save lives,” he said, noting that the Kabaka’s voice has influenced behavioural change, particularly among young people and men seeking testing and treatment.
He urged Ugandans — including companies, schools and faith-based institutions — to purchase the run kits and participate in large numbers.
“What is money for if the people who make it are dying?” Mayiga asked.
The main sponsor, Airtel Uganda, reaffirmed its support for the initiative. Chief Executive Officer Soumendra Sahu said the run has evolved into a national health movement.
“Every April we make a promise that the next generation will live longer, healthier and stronger. Last year, more than 120,000 people participated and nearly Shs2.4 billion was raised towards the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Sahu said.
UNAIDS Senior Adviser Kim Gustavsen commended Buganda Kingdom’s leadership, citing improvements in treatment coverage and reductions in new infections.
“Treatment coverage has risen from 81 percent to 89 percent, and new infections declined by 21 percent between 2020 and 2024. This progress reflects strong leadership and partnerships built through initiatives like the Birthday Run,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uganda AIDS Commission Chairperson Dr. Ruth Ssenyonyi revealed that the commission has contributed Shs30 million towards the 2026 run.
She expressed concern over mother-to-child transmission, noting that by December 2024, Uganda had recorded 4,700 new HIV infections among newborns.
“That is unacceptable. We must ensure no child is born with HIV,” she said, adding that ending HIV by 2030 requires zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and elimination of stigma.
The Kabaka Birthday Run 2026 will be held on April 12, starting at Lubiri, Mengo. Run kits are currently on sale at designated centres at Shs20,000 each.
Organisers expect thousands of participants from across the country to take part in the annual event, which continues to position itself as one of Uganda’s largest health advocacy platforms.
