Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda has addressed the absence of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the highly anticipated MK Birthday Run held on April 26, 2026.
Gen. Kainerugaba, who was expected to grace the event as chief guest, was instead represented by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. The General’s absence quickly sparked speculation and drew attention across social media, with some users and even senior PLU leaders suggesting he skipped the event to avoid being photographed with certain government officials.
Kabanda dismissed these rumors in a statement posted this afternoon. “I have noted comments & remarks on social media, some from senior PLU leaders, suggesting that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba did not attend the Birthday Run to avoid certain government officials seeking photographs with him. This is false. The CDF was unable to attend due to other important engagements,” Kabanda clarified.
The Sunday run, organised under the banner of the Patriotic League of Uganda, was held under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope,” .It attracted thousands of participants, including senior government officials, entrepreneurs, and social influencers.
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia ,one of Uganda’s top entrepreneurs personally participated in the run after appearing in full sports gear alongside other attendees in a move that quickly gained traction online.
Among the high-profile figures present were Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who represented Gen Muhoozi as chief guest, former IGP Kale Kayihura, Foreign Affairs State Minister Henry Okello Oryem, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, and Sports Minister Peter Ogwang.
The event also attracted mobilisation teams linked to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, alongside digital campaigners and influencers who amplified the run across social media platforms.