By 
The 2025 Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run was nothing short of monumental, with over 120,000 participants braving heavy downpours to take part in a cause close to their hearts—the fight to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The event which marks the 12th edition of this significant health initiative, took place at Lubiri and was flagged off by His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, on his 70th birthday celebrations.
Held under the theme “Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” the event reaffirmed the Buganda Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to eliminating HIV/AIDS within the next five years. The Kabaka Birthday Run has over the years evolved into one of Uganda’s most impactful health awareness initiatives, tackling various public health issues, including sickle cell awareness, fistula prevention, and now, HIV/AIDS.
Despite the heavy rain, thousands of Ugandans from all walks of life participated in the run, showcasing the strength of community solidarity.
Speaking at the event, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, praised the overwhelming turnout, emphasizing the power of collective action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“It is inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans once again unite for a cause that directly impacts their communities,” said Sahu. “Every one of us here is here for a brother, a sister, a friend, a stranger, and family at large. Our longstanding partnership with the Buganda Kingdom is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development, particularly in the field of health.”
Sahu also highlighted the challenges faced by global health initiatives, particularly the recent funding shortfalls that have slowed progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “The recent global funding challenges are hindering our progress towards ending HIV by 2030,” he stated. “This underscores the urgent need for a collective effort to strengthen local initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run, which are crucial for achieving our goal.”
A key focus of this year’s run was the call to actively involve men in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially in light of alarming statistics from the 2024 UN AIDS Global Update. The report revealed that adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 in Eastern and Southern Africa still accounted for 27% of new HIV infections. They were found to be three times more likely to acquire HIV than their male counterparts. This data underscores the significance of engaging men in the prevention efforts, as their involvement is crucial in the fight to protect the vulnerable, particularly young girls.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of the theme, “Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” and underscoring the Kabaka Birthday Run as more than just a birthday celebration. “This year, we continue to amplify our message, Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child. The Kabaka Birthday Run is not just a celebration of His Majesty’s life but a rallying call to improve public health in our nation,” he said.
Mayiga also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Airtel Uganda, the event’s premium partner, for their continued support in driving positive change in Uganda. “We appreciate Airtel Uganda’s ongoing commitment, which has been instrumental in making a real difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” he added.
Through initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run, the public health landscape in Uganda continues to evolve, with a focus on reducing the disease burden and working towards an AIDS-free nation. Airtel Uganda’s Sahu concluded by reiterating the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of Ugandans within and beyond the Kingdom.
“Airtel Uganda remains committed to initiatives that positively impact the lives of Ugandans. The fight against HIV/AIDS requires collective action, and we are proud to stand with the Buganda Kingdom and all Ugandans in this crucial cause,” Sahu said.
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the 2025 Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run had not only been a successful celebration of His Majesty’s 70th birthday but also a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility in the fight to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. The rains may have soaked the participants, but their commitment to the cause remained unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all who took part.
