I&M Bank Uganda joined Ugandans across the world to celebrate the 69th birthday of the Kabaka of Buganda, His Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, that was commemorated through the annual Kabaka Birthday Run that was held earlier today at Lubiri, in Mengo.
I&M Bank Uganda is the official bank sponsor of the annual run that is organized to raise awareness about pressing issues affecting the people of Uganda.
This year, the run took on an even greater significance as it rallied support towards the fight against the HIV AIDS pandemic, with a bold aim; To eliminate the epidemic by the year 2030.
The 2024 edition which also saw Kabaka Ronald Mutebi turn 69 years, drew an astounding crowd estimated to be over one hundred thousand Ugandans, that participated in the run, from different parts of globe.
Besides the Shs 200m sponsorship package towards this year’s run, I&M Bank also fielded over 150 dedicated staff, that stood shoulder to shoulder with the sea of participants, that turned up at Mengo.
Being part of such a noble cause is I&M Bank’s way of showcasing its unwavering commitment to embedding itself within the communities it serves and ensuring positive change in people’s lives.
Addressing journalists at the event, Sam Ntulume, the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer at I&M Bank, expressed the bank’s profound sense of honour in actively engaging in such a vital cause.
He emphasized how the Kabaka Birthday Run serves as a catalyst for tangible change and community transformation, particularly in the shared mission to eradicate the scourge of HIV AIDS in Uganda and the world over.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary of operations in the region this June, initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run underscore the significance of our journey,” Ntulume remarked. “They infuse our celebrations with deeper meaning and purpose, reminding us of the profound impact we can make when we unite behind a common cause,” he added.
Having joined the initiative in 2022, I&M Bank has steadfastly supported the annual event since then, culminating into a momentous three-year sponsorship deal valued, that started with a financial boost of Shs 200 million, for this year’s run.
Since its inception in 2013, the Kabaka Birthday Run has evolved into a cornerstone of the Ugandan social calendar, addressing critical health issues such as fistula, sickle cell disease, and HIV/AIDS.
As it continues to grow in stature and influence, the run serves as a beacon of hope, uniting communities in a collective endeavor to build a healthier and more prosperous future for all.