The Uganda Police Force, working with other security agencies, has heightened security measures ahead of the 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run scheduled for Sunday, April 12, as Buganda Kingdom leaders intensify mobilisation for the annual event.
Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the force is coordinating with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the counterterrorism directorate and Buganda Kingdom authorities to ensure the safety of thousands expected to participate.
“This annual event attracts thousands of people, including His Majesty the Kabaka, invited guests and well-wishers from across the country. Comprehensive security measures have been put in place to guarantee a safe and successful event,” Owoyesigyire said.
He explained that security personnel will be deployed along all designated routes, including the 5km, 10km and 20km races, with both uniformed and plain-clothed officers tasked with maintaining order and responding swiftly to any incidents.
Owoyesigyire added that access to the main venue at Mengo will be tightly controlled to minimise risks.
“Only individuals wearing the official running kit will be allowed into the main event area. Those carrying items deemed dangerous will not be permitted entry,” he said.
He further urged the public to adhere to traffic guidelines and follow instructions issued by security personnel to ensure smooth movement before, during and after the run.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Aisha Kayango said the force will not only provide security but will also actively participate in the run, in line with this year’s health-focused theme.
“As police, we do not only provide security. While it is our core mandate to ensure a safe environment, regulate traffic and guide the public, we are also part of this initiative and will participate in the run,” Kayango said.
She noted that police have been involved in a series of preparatory meetings with organisers and other stakeholders to ensure the event proceeds without disruption.
“We call upon everybody—the young, the old and even children—to come and take part because this run is open to all Ugandans,” she added.
Kayango said police have deployed patrol vehicles, foot patrol teams and ambulances to respond to emergencies.
“We have standby ambulances and patrol teams to handle any eventualities. Our priority is to ensure that everyone is safe throughout the event,” she said, emphasising that safety and health are critical pillars of national development.
“We cannot achieve development without a secure environment and good health,” she added.
As security agencies finalise preparations, Buganda Kingdom officials have also stepped up sensitisation efforts, particularly on public health and responsible behaviour.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, urged organisations to prioritise HIV awareness among their employees, with a strong emphasis on testing and faithfulness in relationships.
Speaking at Bulange, Mengo, during a meeting with heads of institutions and their staff, Mayiga called on employers to sensitise workers—especially women—about the risks of engaging in sexual relationships without first knowing their HIV status.
“Encourage female employees to be confident and not fear asking their partners to go for testing. When we act responsibly, we protect ourselves from death and enable our institutions to grow,” he said.
He also appealed to married couples to remain faithful, warning that extramarital affairs continue to undermine efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.
“For those who are married, remain faithful and avoid promiscuity,” Mayiga added.
He cautioned that the pursuit of pleasure, especially in high-risk environments such as bars, increases vulnerability to infections if caution is not exercised.
“The pursuit of pleasure is a dangerous path, and many have contracted diseases as a result. We must exercise self-control if we are to win this fight,” he said.
He further advised men to act responsibly and prioritise long-term health over short-term desires.
At the same event, the chairperson of the Kabaka Birthday Run organising committee, Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, rallied the public to turn up in large numbers for the run at Lubiri.
Kigongo, who also serves as the First Deputy Katikkiro and Minister for ICT and National Guidance, encouraged participants to use their mobile phones to capture and share moments from the event as part of awareness creation.
“Let people come in big numbers and show their support. Take photos, share them widely, and send a strong message that the campaign against HIV/AIDS is being embraced by all,” he said.
The Kabaka Birthday Run is one of Buganda Kingdom’s flagship annual events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and serving as a platform to mobilise communities around key health issues.
This year’s edition is held under the theme of promoting good health and ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, with organisers and security agencies expressing confidence that the event will be both safe and impactful.
