Thousands of Ugandans once again thronged Lubiri–Mengo, the Kabaka’s Palace in Mengo, for the 13th edition of the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, held in celebration of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 71st birthday.
The event, one of Uganda’s largest charity runs, attracted participants from across the country, with organisers and partners using the platform to renew calls for intensified efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
This year’s run was held under the theme: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” emphasizing the role of men in addressing the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar joined the 10km run, describing Uganda as a country defined by unity and hospitality, while reaffirming support for the long-standing partnership between Airtel Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom.
“Since I arrived in this beautiful country, I have been hit with a wave of nostalgia. Ugandans are very happy and hospitable people; they inspire you to belong,” Taldar said.
“It is inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans unite in such great numbers for a noble cause, HIV/AIDS, for which almost every family has a scar.”
He added that collective action remains key in the fight against the epidemic.
“Each one of us is here to make history as participants in one of the biggest efforts aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030… Together, we can eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he said.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga reiterated the importance of the annual run, describing it as a call to action rather than a ceremonial event.
“The Kabaka Birthday Run is not merely a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, but a wake-up call to intensify our efforts in the fight for better health in Uganda,” Mayiga said. He also commended Airtel Uganda for its continued support.
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, an estimated 1.4–1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with adult prevalence rates ranging between 4.9% and 5.4%. While AIDS-related deaths have dropped significantly to about 20,000 annually—down 64% since 2010—Uganda still records approximately 37,000 new infections each year, underscoring the need for sustained prevention and awareness efforts.
Speaking at the same event, George Mubiru, Head of the Safal Uganda Baati Foundation under Uganda Baati’s corporate social responsibility arm, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the national HIV/AIDS response through community health initiatives.
“We are excited to be part of the Kabaka Birthday Run of 2026 where we are focusing on addressing the challenges of HIV in the country,” Mubiru said.
“Here we are, Uganda Baati, joining forces with the Kingdom of Uganda to ensure that we address the problem of HIV by the year 2030 as Kabaka instructed us.”
He called for broader public involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We call upon every Ugandan to participate in this initiative to ensure that HIV AIDS is no longer a problem to the country,” he said.
Mubiru highlighted Uganda Baati’s healthcare contributions, including free medical services offered through clinics in Kampala and Tororo, and emphasized continued collaboration with stakeholders.
“As Uganda Baati, we contributed with over shs10 million as an initiative to support the Kingdom’s effort,” he said. “We have over 75 staff who are here today… and we’ve been part of this for the last 6–7 years.”
He concluded by expressing optimism that sustained partnerships will help Uganda move closer to eliminating HIV/AIDS.
