The Katikiro (Premier) of Buganda Owek Charles Peter Mayiga has hailed the good working relationship between the Kingdom and the leading telecom network Airtel-Uganda.
The Katikiro was launching the 2019 Airtel-Kabaka Birthday Run on Wednesday at Bulange Mengo. “Companies are in business for money and the Kingdom drives sales of your products. When you choose with those that reach the market, you do not need to explain yourself because you promote the social and the economic being of the people who reside in Buganda and Uganda at large. The contract is expiring and I urge you to renew it in the best way. We are keen on issues of integrity,” noted Mayiga, who also thanked other partners; Rwenzori Water (Shs115m), Post Bank, MAAD Advertising and Sickle Cell rescue foundation who extended Shs15m.
The 2019 Kabaka Run will be held on April 7 before the official 64th Birth Day celebrations on April 17 in Ndejje, Luwero and the tickets are already on sale.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel-Uganda Managing Director V.G Somasekhar urged the masses to join the noble cause to alleviate Sickle Cell Disease through participating in the run to raise funds and awareness.
“In line with our 3-year theme, we intend to continue driving awareness about the Sickle Cell disease. Last year, we donated over 140,000 Sickle Cell testing kits to Uganda National Health laboratory Services, procured from the proceedings of this run,” he noted.
Away from the Kabaka run, Airtel-Uganda has sponsored Buganda’s coronation celebrations, Eid El Fitri and the famous Airtel-Masaza football tournament.
According to the Kingdom’s minister in charge of sports and youth Owek Henry Sekabembe Kiberu, over 60,000 runners are expected this year and will be flagged off by the Kabaka (King) early in the morning in Lubiri, Mengo.
Participants who will partake in 5km, 10km and 21kms, can register at Bulange, Airtel Shop at New Park, Kyaggwe Road, Shoprite Ben at Kiwanuka street, Thoban building and by use of Airtel Money by dialling: *185#, Select payments, select Kabaka run, enter pin and complete payment.
