A delegation representing Baganda living and working in South Sudan under their umbrella association, Baganda Nkobazambogo South Sudan, has purchased 100 jerseys for the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run scheduled for April 12, 2026.
The move demonstrates the group’s continued commitment to supporting the cultural and health initiatives of the Kingdom of Buganda.
The jerseys were officially handed over to the group on Friday at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, by the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Information, Mobilisation and the Kingdom Spokesperson, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, during a brief ceremony.
Each jersey is being sold at Shs25,000, and sales have already commenced at several designated distribution points.
While presenting the jerseys, Minister Kazibwe commended the resilience and unity of Baganda living abroad, particularly those in South Sudan where they face various challenges.
“Despite the difficulties our people encounter while living and working in South Sudan due to the instability there, they continue to stay united and support development initiatives. Recently, they even managed to acquire about 10 acres of land, which shows their commitment to progress. We wish them the very best in the upcoming run,” he said.
He also encouraged people across Buganda to purchase their Kabaka Birthday Run jerseys early.
“We encourage everyone to buy the Kabaka Birthday Run jerseys in good time so that they do not struggle to find them at the last minute,” Kazibwe added.
The Chairman of Baganda Nkobazambogo South Sudan, Kato Ssonko Lutaaya, revealed that the community also organises its own Kabaka Birthday Run activities in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
According to Lutaaya, the initiative helps children and young people born in South Sudan to learn about their Buganda heritage while also participating in health awareness campaigns.
He noted that the run aligns with the Kabaka’s ongoing campaign to eliminate HIV/AIDS among his subjects by the year 2030.
Lutaaya further explained that they work with several organisations in South Sudan to support the run. These include the South Sudan AIDS Commission, which promotes HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, and the South Sudan Red Cross, which provides ambulances during the event to assist participants who may require medical attention.
He added that the South Sudan National Blood Bank also participates by organising blood donation drives during the run to help save lives.
Members of the public who wish to participate in the Kabaka Birthday Run are encouraged to purchase their jerseys early.
The jerseys are available at Bulange in Mengo, Masengere, various county headquarters across Buganda, and through designated distributors to ensure the Kabaka’s subjects can easily access them.
