The Katikkiro together with Kingdom partners in a group photo
Buganda Kingdom has presented the financial report from the Kabaka’s 70th Birthday Run, revealing that UGX 2.9 billion was raised through the participation of over 12,000 runners and contributions from various partners.
The presentation of this report and related statistics on the Kingdom’s campaign against HIV/AIDS took place at Bulange, Mengo. This initiative follows the Kabaka’s decision in 2020 to dedicate the annual Birthday Run to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, stated that since the Kabaka launched this campaign, the prevalence of HIV has significantly declined across the Kingdom. However, he cautioned that despite this progress, people must continue protecting themselves, testing regularly, and taking their medication if infected.
“This campaign continues to bear fruit. Your commitment and partnership have made a great impact. People who were once afraid to go for testing are now stepping forward. It’s encouraging that our message has been heard, and many are now testing and protecting themselves,” said Katikkiro Mayiga.
He urged young people—especially girls—not to fall victim to deception or small gifts that could lead them into danger. The Katikkiro also thanked the Kingdom’s partners for their continued collaboration and reaffirmed that Buganda will not rest until HIV/AIDS is eradicated from the Kingdom and across Uganda, in line with the global target of 2030.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence in Buganda Has Decreased Between 2020 and 2024
The Second Deputy Katikkiro, Hon. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, presented a detailed financial and activity report on the Kingdom’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
He explained that the funds were utilized in producing and distributing awareness posters across all counties of Buganda, organizing community testing and education programs, hosting the Kabaka’s Birthday Run events, and disseminating HIV prevention messages through various media platforms.
A total of UGX 800 million was spent on public awareness campaigns to educate people about responsible behavior and to provide information about HIV treatment centers.
An additional UGX 21 million was allocated for training cultural leaders, youth, and health workers on HIV prevention, while UGX 29.57 million was spent on purchasing HIV testing kits. About UGX 53.7 million was used for financial monitoring and accountability, and UGX 72.23 million supported Kingdom representatives delivering health and social services across Buganda.
More than UGX 200 million was spent on logistics, T-shirt production, publicity, and event security. All these efforts were implemented in partnership with UNAIDS and other supporting organizations.
Jonathan Mubangizi, representing UNAIDS, commended Buganda Kingdom for its leadership, noting that the HIV infection rate has continued to decline both in Buganda and across Uganda. He urged the Kabaka’s subjects to maintain the fight and praised the Kingdom for being a shining example in the national response.
Dr. Ruth Ssenyonyi from the Uganda AIDS Commission applauded the Kabaka’s unwavering commitment, saying that since the Kingdom began actively participating in the national campaign against HIV/AIDS, the results have been remarkable. She noted that people are now more informed, testing regularly, seeking treatment, and taking proactive steps to protect themselves.
Omuk. Remmie Kisakye, the Chief Executive Officer of Majestic Brands—the Kingdom’s corporate and partnership arm—expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners. She observed that since the inception of the Kabaka Birthday Run twelve years ago, countless lives have been positively impacted. She encouraged subjects of Buganda to continue supporting the cause, which has delivered visible and meaningful results across communities.
Since 2020, the Kabaka’s Birthday Run has been dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. After five years, the campaign continues under the powerful theme:
“Men, let’s be the head in the fight against HIV/AIDS and save the girl child.”