Thousands of enthusiastic Ugandans gathered at Lubiri, Mengo to take part in the third annual Kabaka birthday run. Not to be deterred by the rain, 25,000 brave runners sprinted the 5km, 10km and 21km races, in the event that is the chief fundraiser in the fight against fistula in Uganda.
The run was flagged off by the Kabaka of Buganda; Ssabasajja Ronald Muwenda Mutebi and attracted top kingdom officials including the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Prince David Wasajja and Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo.
Prince David Wasajja, who was also the Chief Runner of the day completed the 21 KM race in 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Notable figures including politicians, traders and musicians, joined people from all walks of life at the starting point in Lubiri, where the race kicked off at 7:00am.
The run is part of Airtel’s partnership with Buganda kingdom to support several of its activities including the Kabaka’s birthday celebrations, Kabaka coronation and Eid-El-Fitri.
Addressing the crowds after the run, Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga thanked the participants for their enormous support to the Kingdom and its causes, saying “…the kind of support from all of who have shown up today, coupled with Airtel Uganda’s commitment to this cause, I believe Fistula in will soon be an issue of the past.”
Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director; Tom Gutjahr said it is part of the Company’s social responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the society in which it operates. “I thank all the participants who have turned up in large numbers. Today is yet another victory that shows what society can achieve when people join hands for a just cause,” he concluded.