Kampala – March 9, 2023: Buganda Kingdom in partnership with Airtel Uganda, today launched the Kabaka Birthday Run 2023 in a bid to end the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
The Run was launched by Buganda Kingdom Owek’s Katikiro. Charles Peter Mayiga and the general manager of Airtel Uganda, manoj murali, at a press conference at Bulange Mengo, the headquarters of Buganda Kingdom.
The run will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023 and will be flagged off by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
This year’s Run aims to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Buganda and Uganda at large, under the theme: “Ending the fight against HIV/AIDS by 2030. ”
Manoj said at the press briefing: “Airtel Uganda is delighted to once again stand up for a cause that supports the reduction of the burden of disease in Buganda.
Since 2019, Airtel Uganda together with Buganda Kingdom and UNAIDS continues to raise awareness about the danger of HIV/AIDS in our society through the Kabaka Birthday Run.
This is part of our sustainability strategy to change lives in Uganda. We remain fully committed to this cause.”
He added: “The Kabaka Birthday Run is a great platform for millions of Ugandans to celebrate the life of Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II and guide our common efforts in reducing public health challenges such as ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. epidemic by 2030, fistula and sickle cell.”
While serving at the launch, Buganda Kingdom’s Katikiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, said: “After a vigorous fight against fistulas and sickle cells, the Kingdom embarked on a fight against HIV/AIDS in Buganda and other parts of Uganda through the Kabaka Birthday Run, which attracts more than 80,000 participants each year.”
Owek. Mayiga added: “Having partners like Airtel Uganda who are culturally aware of their work environment has enabled us to increase the digital and financial inclusion of our people.
We appreciate their support in transforming the lives of Ugandans. We know that their contribution to the run will greatly support the fight against HIV/AIDS because Buganda’s productivity is based on a healthy population.”
Data from UNAIDS, the leading organization in the fight against HIV/AIDS, shows that 38.4 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2021.
The report also indicated that although 1.5 million people became re-infected with HIV, there was a decline in the number of new HIV infections, a 54% drop since the peak in 1996.
Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom urged the public to come out en masse in support
the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign by participating in Run and Kingdom activities.
The running kits worth Ushs 20,000/- include vest, water bottle and cap can be purchased from selected Airtel Shops Airtel Shop New Park Kyaggwe Road, Shoprite Building Ben Kiwanuka and Thobani Centre.
Alternatively, one can use Airtel Money by dialing *185#, select payments, enter the amount plus their PIN to confirm payment and then choose their kit at the points mentioned.
Airtel Uganda has continued to invest in the 100% 4G network to enhance the delivery of affordable voice, data and financial services in Uganda.
The network recently announced that they have completed key tests for the deployment of 5G technology and are just waiting for the required spectrum to be allocated.
