The anticipation for this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run slated for this Sunday April 7th has reached fever pitch, with thousands and organizations making last minute kit purchases.
Over 110,000 participants are expected to join in this year’s festivities, making a significant increase of about 10,000 participants from last year’s edition.
For the past two years, the organisers have been candid about their intentions to work harder and double the numbers in the next few years.
One of the driving forces behind the steadfast growth of the number of participants in the annual Kabaka Birthday Run is the generous support from key stakeholders, especially the event sponsors, as well as government, NGOs, corporate entities and individuals that are enthusiastic about their King and the Kingdom, and the cause- fighting against HIV/AIDS.
Just this week, government, in collaboration with parliament, pledged Shs 50 million towards the run, demonstrating a strong commitment to the cause.
I&M Bank Uganda, the official bank partners, did not just sign off a three-year partnership with the run, but also doubled their financial contribution by signing off Shs 200m, as their sponsorship package for this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run.
Annette Nakiyaga, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the bank’s move as not just support towards the Buganda Kingdom, but also one aimed at bettering the community where the bank operates.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Kabaka Birthday Run this Sunday. It’s an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity with the Kabaka, His Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, the Buganda Kingdom at large, and our contribution towards the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Nakiyaga.
“Over and above the cash contribution, we have purchases over 150 kits for our staff and key customers, to encourage them to participate in the run be a part of this very critical cause,” she added.
Kits to the Kabaka Birthday Run 2024 are still on sale at only 20k, and are available at different I&M Bank branches including Kingdom Kampala, Kabalagala, Kawempe, and William Street.