President Museveni has donated running kits worth Shs15 million to support this weekend’s Kabaka Birthday Run.
The annual event is a flagship initiative by Buganda Kingdom aimed at combating HIV/Aids.
The contribution was delivered through Hadijah Namyalo, Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the NRM, as part of efforts to boost participation ahead of celebrations marking the 71st birthday of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Namyalo and her delegation were received at Bulange Gardens in Mengo by the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, where she delivered the President’s message and reaffirmed government support for the kingdom’s health campaign.
She commended Buganda Kingdom for its leadership in the fight against HIV/Aids through the annual run, expressing confidence that the Kabaka’s target of eliminating the disease by 2030 is achievable through collective effort.
“President Museveni’s commitment towards fighting HIV has never changed,” Namyalo said, while also thanking the Katikkiro for his openness in welcoming her office to participate in kingdom initiatives.
In his remarks, Mayiga expressed appreciation for the Office of the National Chairman’s continued involvement in Buganda’s programmes.
“All politicians should emulate Namyalo. In whatever she does, her kingdom comes first. We can change religions and political parties, but we cannot change our tribes,” he said.
He also commended Museveni for ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in the country.
Following the meeting, Namyalo officially received the running kits and pledged to distribute them to the Bazzukulu to enhance participation in the run.
The Kabaka Birthday Run has grown into one of the most prominent public health campaigns in Uganda, mobilising thousands annually to raise awareness and support efforts to curb the spread of HIV/Aids.
Since taking charge of the ONC, Namyalo has remained actively involved in Buganda Kingdom programmes, including community development initiatives, further reinforcing ties between the kingdom and the ruling National Resistance Movement.