The Buganda Kingdom’s annual Kabaka Birthday Run has continued to grow into one of the largest community runs in Africa, bringing together thousands of participants while raising funds to fight major health challenges in Uganda.
The run, which forms part of the celebrations marking the birthday of the Kabaka of Buganda, was first organised in 2014 with the aim of uniting the Kabaka’s subjects and promoting public health awareness.
Over the years, the event has attracted increasing numbers of participants from across the country and beyond.
According to the First Deputy Katikkiro and Minister for Administration, ICT and Innovation in the Buganda Kingdom, Prof. Twaha Kaawaase, the run has been organised under different health themes aimed at raising awareness and supporting the fight against diseases such as fistula, sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDS.
“Since the run started, it has focused on different health themes to educate the public and mobilise support in fighting diseases that affect our communities,” said Prof. Kaawaase.
Funds raised from the event come mainly from sponsors, the sale of running kits and other contributions.
These funds are then given to hospitals and health organisations that provide treatment and support to patients affected by the highlighted diseases.
In the previous year alone, organisers collected about Shs2.9 billion, which was directed towards HIV/Aids-related health services.
The event has also experienced remarkable growth in participation. When it was first held in 2014, about 6,632 people took part in the run.
However, participation has steadily increased, with more than 120,000 runners joining last year’s edition.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga attributed the growing numbers to the transparency and organisation of the event, as well as the strong attachment Buganda subjects have to their King.
Despite its success, the organisers acknowledge that staging such a large event comes with challenges, including unpredictable weather and cases of theft during activities.
However, the Kingdom says it continues to devise ways to address these challenges while improving the event.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the run so that it goes beyond just running and brings even greater benefits to the people,” Prof. Kaawaase added.
The Buganda Kingdom says it plans to continue expanding the event and introducing more activities that will strengthen community participation while promoting better health among Ugandans.