The Kabaka Birthday Run 2025 has officially been launched at Bulange Mengo Wednesday,  26 February 2025, marking the 12th edition of the annual event. This year’s run will take place under the theme, “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

During the launch, Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga urged the public to acquire their running kits early, emphasizing the importance of preparation.

The first deputy to the Katikkiro, Hon. Prof. Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, who also chairs the organizing committee, assured the public of well-organized preparations. He discouraged the use of previous years’ kits, stating that each edition has a unique purpose that should be honored. The running kits will be sold at UGX 20,000.

The Buganda Kingdom and Airtel Uganda are the main sponsors of this Year’s edition. Majestic Brands CEO Omukungu Remmie Kisakye, who has supported the run since its inception, expressed joy at being part of this year’s edition, saying it remains a vital cause that deserves continued support.

Katikkiro Mayiga also raised concern about the recent freeze in HIV/AIDS funding by the US government, warning that it presents a significant challenge to Uganda’s fight against the epidemic.

“With these financial cuts, there’s an urgent need for us to step up and fill the gap. Families and the government must take responsibility by ensuring health remains a priority. Young people should take precautions—condoms might become more expensive due to this situation, and for those who can, abstinence is the best option. The government should allocate more funds to health, with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment,” he stated.

Similarly, UNAIDS Country Community Mobilization and Networking Adviser Sarah Nakku Kibuuka expressed concern about the consequences of the funding freeze, noting that the US had been contributing a significant portion to Uganda’s HIV/AIDS programs.

“This situation has created a funding gap that cannot be easily covered within a short period. It’s uncertain whether we will achieve the 2030 goal of ending HIV/AIDS under these circumstances,” she remarked.

The Kabaka Birthday Run is an annual initiative by the Buganda Kingdom to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thousands of participants are expected at this year’s edition, with proceeds aimed at strengthening efforts to combat the disease.

Uganda has struggled with HIV/AIDS since the late 1980s with over 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Through different government initiatives and foreign aid like USAID the prevalence rate has reduced from  a peak of  around 15% in the late 1980s to around 5.1% in the recent years.