Ugandans are gearing up for one of the biggest health awareness events in the country—the Kabaka Birthday Run—set to take place on April 6, 2025. This year’s run is extra special as it celebrates the 70th birthday of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II while championing a powerful cause: “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child.” The event aims to accelerate Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS, with a bold target to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030.

Organized annually by the Buganda Kingdom, the Kabaka Birthday Run has become a key platform for promoting health awareness. What started as a simple run has transformed into a nationwide movement, encouraging testing, treatment, and prevention of diseases like HIV and sickle cell. The results speak for themselves—Buganda, once the region with the highest HIV prevalence rates, now records the lowest, thanks to relentless awareness campaigns and community engagement.

This year’s run will feature three race categories—21km, 10km, and 5km—ensuring that everyone, from seasoned athletes to casual joggers, can participate. But beyond the physical challenge, the event carries a deeper message: health is wealth. Kabaka Mutebi, who ascended the throne in 1993, has consistently used his influence to advocate for better health outcomes. His themes over the years have focused on pressing health issues, and the public’s overwhelming response has led to measurable improvements in community well-being.

Adding momentum to this year’s event is the generous support of HIMA Cement, which has contributed a total of 20 million Ugandan shillings—10 million for the run and another 10 million for the Kabaka’s birthday celebrations. The company’s involvement goes beyond mere sponsorship; it reflects a commitment to corporate social investment, ensuring that the communities they serve remain healthy and strong.

At a sponsor recognition event held at Bulange Mengo on April 3, Buganda’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, applauded businesses like HIMA Cement for their role in driving social change. “Commerce fuels development, but healthy people are the backbone of a thriving economy,” he said. Mayiga urged more businesses and government agencies to join the fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing that Uganda’s progress depends on collective action.

“HIV does not discriminate, and neither should our efforts to end it,” Mayiga stated. “We cannot talk about economic growth when our people are still battling preventable diseases.” His words resonated with attendees, reinforcing the idea that health is the foundation of all prosperity.

As excitement builds for this year’s run, thousands of participants are expected to flood the streets, not just to celebrate the Kabaka’s milestone birthday but to run for a cause that affects every Ugandan. The Kabaka Birthday Run is more than a race—it’s a statement of unity, resilience, and hope. With each step, participants move closer to a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat, proving that when a nation comes together, real change is possible.

Will you be part of the run? Lace up your shoes, get tested, and join the movement—because health is a race we must all win.