Kampala:Staff and students from Kabale University, together with two other higher institutions in Kabale, participated in the 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run held on Sunday, April 12, to mark the 71st birthday of the Kabaka of Buganda while raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
This year’s run was held under the theme “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” emphasizing the role of men and boys in promoting health and supporting efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Kabale University, Johnny Mugisha, who represented the Vice-Chancellor Joy Constance Kwesiga, presided over the university’s participation as Chief Runner.
He commended staff and students for turning up in large numbers and highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He noted that men and boys must work closely with women to address health challenges and protect vulnerable groups, particularly the girl child.
Mugisha also emphasized that the university’s participation reflects its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, describing Kabale University as an institution that extends beyond physical boundaries to actively engage with society.
He expressed appreciation to the university community for consistently taking part in the annual run alongside other Ugandans and congratulated the Kabaka of Buganda upon his 71st birthday.
The event attracted a large delegation from the university, including Prof. Kaaya, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Prof. Edward Wamala, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jones Murangira, Deputy Chief of ICT, Dr. Monica Kanyesigye, Deputy Academic Registrar, Godfrey Sempungu, Head of Communications, Branding and Marketing, Jacqueline Akello, Senior Grants Officer, and Confidende Nkurunungi, Senior University Counsellor, among others.
Students and staff from Uganda College of Commerce and Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing also participated, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Representing Uganda College of Commerce, Bogere Peterson encouraged participants to continue prioritizing their health and remain committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The run brought together students, health advocates, and community members, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing public health challenges. It also served as a platform to promote awareness, strengthen partnerships, and encourage behavioral change aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The Kabaka Birthday Run continues to play a significant role in integrating cultural celebration with health advocacy, while fostering community involvement and reinforcing institutional commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
