The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged Baganda to remain loyal to their King and resist any attempts to detach them from the institution of the Kabaka.
Speaking to thousands of subjects who gathered at Lubiri Mengo on Sunday for the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, Mayiga emphasized that the Kabaka remains the foundation of Buganda’s identity and unity.
“Never allow anyone to detach you from the Kabaka. The Kabaka is our father and the centre of our beliefs,” he said, as he thanked participants for their continued support of the kingdom’s initiatives.
In a symbolic moment, the Katikkiro asked the crowd to raise their hands and reaffirm their loyalty to the Kabaka. Thousands responded with cheers, pledging their allegiance.
Mayiga also used the platform to commend sponsors for their unwavering support of Buganda Kingdom programmes, which he said have played a key role in improving community welfare.
Beyond loyalty, he called on men to take greater responsibility for their health and that of their partners, in line with the kingdom’s ongoing public health campaigns.
“Keep yourself healthy and go for regular check-ups. Those who are infected should follow medical guidance, while those who are not should protect themselves, especially young people,” he advised.
The 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run attracted over 130,000 participants, all rallying behind efforts to raise awareness and funds to fight HIV/AIDS.
Held under the theme “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” the 2026 run was organized ahead of the 71st birthday of the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Since its inception in 2003, the run has evolved into one of Uganda’s largest public health campaigns, previously tackling diseases such as sickle cell and fistula, and now focusing on ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
In a lighter moment, the outgoing German Ambassador to Uganda, Matthias Schauer, impressed the crowd by addressing them in Luganda, drawing cheers and laughter. The Kabaka later invited him for a handshake.
The Kabaka, who arrived at 7:30 a.m., flagged off the race at 7:42 a.m., starting with the 21km runners, followed by the 10km and then the 5km categories.
The 21km race was led by Prince Wasajja, brother to the Kabaka, while Prince Richard Ssemakookiro led the 5km run, both receiving enthusiastic support from participants.
