KAMPALA, Uganda : Thousands of Ugandans once again turned up in large numbers at Lubiri–Mengo (Kabaka’s Palace) to participate in the 13th edition of the highly anticipated Kabaka Birthday Run. This year’s event marks the 71st birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
In a notable highlight, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar graced the event and participated in the 10km race, demonstrating sportsmanship and reinforcing the strong partnership between the Buganda Kingdom and Airtel Uganda. Taldar also presented a kit to the Kabaka for the run.
The run, themed “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” calls on men to take a leading role in combating HIV/AIDS.
Since its inception in 2014, the Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run has grown into one of Uganda’s largest annual events, championing health causes such as sickle cell awareness, fistula prevention, and now the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is also considered one of the largest unique charity runs globally.
Taldar shared his enthusiasm for participating in the run and praised Ugandans for their continued commitment to ending HIV/AIDS.
“Since I arrived in this beautiful country, I have been filled with a sense of nostalgia. Ugandans are warm and hospitable people who make you feel at home. It is inspiring to see thousands unite for such a noble cause. HIV/AIDS has affected nearly every family in some way. Each of us is here to make history by contributing to one of the biggest efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030. Our strong partnership with the Buganda Kingdom reaffirms our commitment to sustainable health development. Together, we can end HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he said.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, echoed the theme of this year’s run, reminding Ugandans of their role in the fight against HIV/AIDS:
“This year, our message is clear: ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.’ The Kabaka Birthday Run is not just a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, but also a call to action to intensify efforts toward better health in Uganda. We appreciate our long-time partner, Airtel Uganda, whose continued support has been instrumental in making a real difference in this fight.”
Airtel Uganda remains committed to initiatives that positively impact the lives of Ugandans both within and beyond the Kingdom. The fight against HIV/AIDS requires collective action, and we are proud to stand with the Buganda Kingdom and all Ugandans in this noble cause.
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, approximately 1.4–1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with an adult prevalence rate of about 4.9%–5.4%. Although AIDS-related deaths have declined to around 20,000 annually—a 64% reduction since 2010—an estimated 37,000 new infections are still recorded each year. This underscores the need for continued awareness, prevention, care, and treatment efforts to end HIV/AIDS.
