The 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run has been officially launched, with Charles Peter Mayiga urging Ugandans to actively support HIV prevention efforts and purchase participation kits early ahead of the April 12 event.
Speaking at the launch at Mengo, he warned that Uganda is running out of time to meet the 2030 target of eliminating HIV/AIDS.
The annual run was initiated by Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II as part of his birthday celebrations, with proceeds traditionally directed toward health causes under different themes each year.
This will be the 13th edition overall and the fifth time the campaign has focused specifically on HIV/AIDS. Organizers confirmed that this year’s kit will cost 25,000 shillings.
The event launch attracted partners led by Airtel Uganda, whose managing director Soumendra Sahu encouraged broad public participation, describing the run as a way to protect families and communities.
Organizing committee chair Twaha Kawaase Kigongo pledged transparent and dedicated stewardship of the preparations, while Ruth Ssenyonyi from the Uganda AIDS Commission said this year’s messaging will emphasize preventing mother-to-child transmission so that no child is born with HIV.
Health safety was also highlighted, with National Drug Authority representative Fred Kalungi Kabuye cautioning the public against buying medicines from unauthorized dealers due to potential health risks.
Officials from the Buganda Kingdom, partner agencies, students, and community representatives attended the launch, reinforcing the run’s continued role as a national platform for health awareness and collective action against HIV/AIDS.
