MENGO, Kampala : Brian Kavuya, Managing Director of East African Medical Vitals (EAMV), handed over a UGX 10 million cheque to Buganda’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, confirming the company’s Silver Sponsorship of the 13th Kabaka’s Birthday Run.
Beyond the ceremonial gesture, the sponsorship reflects a growing alignment between local industry, cultural leadership, and national health priorities.
EAMV, the first manufacturer of powder-free latex surgical gloves in Africa, operates a major production facility in Namanve Industrial Park, producing approximately 95 million gloves annually. Its participation in the Kabaka Run underscores how Ugandan enterprises are increasingly contributing to public health efforts while strengthening domestic industry.
A Run with National Significance
The Kabaka’s Birthday Run has evolved into more than a cultural event—it is a national platform for health awareness. This year’s theme, focused on men’s role in ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 and protecting the girl child, highlights persistent public health challenges despite notable progress in reducing infections.
By mobilizing tens of thousands of participants, the run amplifies messages around prevention, testing, and open dialogue—key elements in improving health outcomes across communities.
Linking Industry to Development
EAMV’s involvement also mirrors Uganda’s broader development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes industrialization, job creation, and human capital development.
Founded by Kavuya with support from the East African Development Bank, the company has become a key player in the regional medical supply chain. Since launching production in 2021, it now meets about 70 percent of Uganda’s demand for surgical gloves—significantly reducing reliance on imports and cutting delivery times from months to just days.
The company has also secured a long-term supply agreement with the government and continues to expand, with a second production line launched in 2025 creating hundreds of additional jobs.
A Broader Impact
Uganda has made steady progress in the fight against HIV, with declining infection rates and expanded access to treatment. However, challenges remain, particularly among vulnerable populations. Leaders continue to emphasize awareness, education, and community engagement as critical tools in closing these gaps.
EAMV’s contribution, though modest in financial terms, represents a broader shift in how private companies are participating in national development—not just through production and employment, but also through direct investment in community health initiatives.
“Our sponsorship is a testament that we have our communities at heart,” Kavuya said. In response, Mayiga praised the company’s contribution to Uganda’s healthcare system and called on men to take a leading role in the fight against HIV.
As Uganda pushes toward its Vision 2040 goals, partnerships like this—bringing together business, culture, and public health—demonstrate how development is driven not only by policy, but by practical action on the ground.
