Organisers of the 70th Kabaka Birthday Run have warned that only participants wearing new jerseys will be allowed to join the annual race.
The annual run is organised to celebrate Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s birthday.
Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the First Deputy Katikkiro and Treasurer of Buganda, urged eager runners to secure their jerseys before they sell out, emphasizing that old ones will not be accepted.
“We encourage everyone to buy new jerseys before they run out,” Nsibirwa said. “No one will be allowed to run in old jerseys as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to marking this special occasion with renewed energy and spirit.”
The Kabaka’s 70th birthday celebrations go beyond the race, with a series of health and community initiatives already in motion.
On Friday, March 28, the kingdom will dispatch ambulances to improve healthcare access, while a free health camp in Singo will offer eye treatment and consultations.
Other key events leading up to the grand finale include:
- April 5: Discussions on HIV, malaria, and environmental issues.
- April 6: Official launch of the race by the Kabaka.
- April 7-8: The eye health camp, followed by the inauguration of the new outpatient building in Busimbi, Singo.
- April 11: Donation of tractors to provinces, with trained operators ready for deployment.
- April 11: Mosques hold prayers in thanksgiving for the King’s life.
- April 12: Adventists offer prayers of gratitude.
- April 13: Grand finale at Lubaga, featuring a mass led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere under the theme “Self-treatment, testing, vaccination to stay healthy.”
The kingdom’s birthday celebrations will highlight both Buganda’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing efforts to uplift communities through health and economic initiatives.