I& M Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment as the official bank partner for the 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, slated for April 6.
The 12th edition was officially launched on Wednesday at Bulange , Mengo with the unveiling of the kit.
The launch event was presided over by the Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga as well as Buganda Kingdom cabinet ministers, event partners, and
community leaders.
This year's run will be under the theme,‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030' and aims to highlight the importance of men’s involvement in health initiatives.
Speaking during the function, Katikkiro Mayiga noted that although HIV/AIDS is being tackled through initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run, individual effort and caution is still key as the best prevention measure.
"I urge young people to embrace the use of condoms, practice abstinence, and consider circumcision. Experts tell us that circumcision helps reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. We must all take personal caution as the best way to continue this fight, that’s the best way we shall win it," Mayiga said.
He added that the Kabaka is committed to this fight, and to date, Buganda Kingdom has had six years of this effort.
“Our practice since we started the Kabaka Birthday Run was to support a health theme for three years. However, with UNAIDS’ lglobal effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, we decided to commit more time, because HIV/AIDS remains an existential threat that affects everyone indiscriminately."
I& M Bank CEO, Robin Bairstow expressed stated delight towards the continuation of the partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, to support the Kabaka Birthday Run, which he said has become a key event on their calendar.
"The Kabaka Birthday Run is a very important initiative because it not only brings people together to celebrate His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, but also helps us all work towards a future where HIV/AIDS will no longer be a threat," Bairstow said.
"I want to thank the Buganda Kingdom for its deliberate focus on public health. The kingdom’s dedication to improving the well-being of communities through initiatives like this is truly inspirational, and we are honored to be partners on this journey."
Annette Nakiyaga- the I& M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, re-affirmed the bank’s commitment towards initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
“I& M Bank remains committed to supporting projects that promote positive change and improve the well-being of communities. We believe that initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run play a vital role in making a real difference and helping build a healthier future for everyone,” Nakiyaga stated.
Sarah Nakku Kibuuka, the UNAIDS Community Mobilisation and Networking Advisor, highlighted that the fight against HIV AIDs is likely to take a challenging twist, due to funding challenges that UNAIDS is currently facing, that resulted from the funding freeze by the US government.
She however encouraged promoting habits that help to prevent HIV/AIDS, as the immediate alternative for everyone involved in the fight against the disease.
Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi- the Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission, thanked Buganda Kingdom for its continued efforts in the battle against HIV/AIDS, particularly in reducing stigma.
She added that in 2024, Uganda had an HIV prevalence rate of 5.1% among adults aged 15 to 49, with women experiencing a higher prevalence (6.6%), compared to men (3.6%).
"The rate was notably higher among women living in urban areas (9.8%) than those in rural areas (6.7%). Additionally, HIV prevalence among children aged 0-14 was recorded at 0.5%."
