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Airtel Uganda, Buganda Kingdom Launch the Kabaka Birthday Run 11th edition with pledge to end HIV/AIDs by 2030
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The 11thedition of the highly anticipated annual Kabaka Birthday Run has been launched in a colourful ceremony today, 27th February 2024, at Bulange, Mengo.
In partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, Uganda’s first 5G Network, Airtel Uganda announced the launch of the Kabaka Birthday Run, that has become a hallmark event on Airtel Uganda and the country’s annual calendar.
The run, in celebration of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, birthday, champions noble causes that resonate with the community. Just like the previous year, this year’s theme, “Ending HIV/AIDs by 2030”, reflects the collective efforts to fight one of the most pressing global health challenges.
Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali, challenged Ugandans to join in on the marathon for the betterment of communities.
He said. “This year, as we lace up for the Kabaka Birthday Run, let’s run for a cause close to our hearts: ending HIV/AIDS. Together, let’s channel the spirit of community and run in solidarity with those affected by this global epidemic. Proceeds from the run will directly support the fight against HIV/AIDS, aligning with the theme “Ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.” This theme embodies our collective vision of a world free from HIV/AIDS and serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and champion action towards achieving this goal.”
I &M Bank Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer Sam Ntulume said he is thrilled about the partnership with the Kabaka Birthday Run, as it allows the bank to make a difference in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic while creating an emotional connection with clients and communities at large.
“As financial partners of the coveted annual Kabaka Birthday Run, I&M Bank seizes this opportunity to renew our commitment to deliver a positive impact in the community by supporting worthy causes, institutions and individuals across the country,” said Ntulume.
The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga spoke into the vision the Kingdom has for the initiative.
He said, “Our vision is to bring about social and economic transformation for the people in the kingdom and for Uganda. We want our people to have a happy and decent livelihood, but the major factor that is going to determine social and economic transformation is health, especially that of the ordinary person because it is the ordinary person that contributes significantly to the growth of any country. We therefore join the efforts of the international community, UN AIDS, Uganda AIDS Commission, and all people involved in promoting our health in the fight against HIV AIDS. And we should all be happy because the Kabaka is a good ambassador for the African continent.”
He also recognized Airtel’s positive contribution towards the 11th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run which has become one of the most successful marathons held in the country and a dear event to the people of Buganda.
“So, we welcome the partners who share our vision, partners like Airtel Uganda, partners like I&M Bank, partners like Nivana Water, UN AIDs, Uganda AIDs Commission.” Owek. Mayiga noted.
Buganda Kingdom also hosts other initiatives such as the BIKA Cup and Masaza Cup that strive to groom grassroot talent among the youth across the kingdom and also bring Ugandans together for social and economic reasons.
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The kits are available at select Airtel Uganda shops like Thobani center, Ben Kiwanuka street and the New Tax Park, and they can use Airtel Money to purchase them by dialing, *185*. Select option 5 then select KABAKA RUN.
