Airtel-Uganda under renewed strategic partnership with the Buganda Kingdom launched a three year theme for the Kabaka Birthday run late last month at Bulange, Mengo. Starting from next year’s (2020) run till 2022, the annual run will be under the theme: “Men against AIDS to save the girl child”.
The event was graced by the Katikiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Airtel-Uganda Managing Director V.G Somasekhar, UNAIDS Uganda country Director Dr. Karusa Kiragu and other distinguished guests.
Somasekhar reaffirmed the company’s commitment towards supporting Buganda Kingdom. “Airtel-Uganda will continue to support the Buganda Kingdom and we are very proud of this partnership.
Going forward, we confirm our commitment to end AIDS by the year 2030,″he stated. Owek Mayiga, who launched the new theme, encouraged men to take lead in fight against HIV/Aids since in African traditions they are the initiators of relations that culminate into sexual intercourse.
He also applauded Airtel-Uganda for the continued support. “Our aim is to increase HIV/Aids awareness and encourage men to keep safe and protect the women as well. This is how we shall safeguard an AIDS free future for our children and their children. I thank Airtel Uganda and all the other participants for heeding our call and coming to support us as we fight to reduce health problems in the community,” noted Mayiga.
Before turning to HIV/Aids, the commitment has in the past committed proceeds from the annual Kabaka birthday run to fight against Sickle cells and Fistula epidemics. In 2017, focus was rechanneled from Fistula to the fight against Sickle Cells – with an intention of directing the Run’s proceeds towards fighting the sickle cells disease in Uganda.
Together with the Ministry of Health, impact has been created in the areas of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness, testing and prevention. About 150,000 people were tested in the three-year period.
The Kabaka of Buganda Hs Majesty, Ronald Muwenda Muebi II was named a UNAIDS Ambassador in 2017 and has always in his speeches put out massages about HIV/Aids to his loyalists.
The runs proceeds have helped in the fight against Fistula and Sickle Cells. The 2020 Kabaka birthday run is scheduled for April on a yet to be confirmed date. The Kabaka Birthday Run is an annual eventto mark the King’s birthday as part of a partnership that the telecommunications giant has with the Buganda Kingdom to sponsor four of their most important activities; the Kabaka’s Birthday Run, Kabaka’s birthday celebration, the Kabaka’s coronation as well as Eid El Fitri. Airtel Uganda also sponsors the Masaza Cup – the Buganda kingdom football tournament.
