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Tag: Kabaka Run

  • Airtel Uganda engages the Media ahead of the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run, Calling for Collective Support in Driving Community Impact

    Airtel Uganda engages the Media ahead of the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run, Calling for Collective Support in Driving Community Impact

    Kampala: Airtel Uganda, a leading telecommunication company today engaged the media in a press briefing ahead of the highly anticipated Kabaka Birthday Run.

    The session provided key updates on the event’s objectives, logistics, and the role of this year’s theme in raising awareness about HIV/AIDs prevention.

    With the theme, “Men against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” this year’s run calls for increased male involvement in safeguarding young girls from HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the collective responsibility in the fight against the epidemic.
    Speaking to the media, Soumendra Sahu, Managing Director, Airtel Uganda emphasized the company’s continued commitment to health and community development. He said, “Airtel Uganda is honored to continue standing alongside the Buganda Kingdom in this noble cause. This year, we also continue to call on the men to be more proactive in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially in protecting young girls. We believe that through awareness, education, and collective effort, we can make a lasting impact and move closer to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 in Uganda.”

    As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Airtel Uganda is dedicated to supporting initiatives that positively impact the lives of Ugandans. By engaging the media as key stakeholders in the run, Airtel reinforces its commitment to advancing public health, strengthening community development, and contributing to a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
    David Birungi, PR Manager, Airtel Uganda expressed his appreciation to the Buganda Kingdom for their collaboration with the brand and the media for their continued support in communicating the brand’s story.

    He said, “The Kabaka Birthday Run is a testament to the strong partnership between Airtel Uganda, the Buganda Kingdom, and the Ugandan people, who continuously support causes that uplift communities. This event unites us in purpose, promoting wellness, togetherness, and social impact. We deeply appreciate the media for always standing by Airtel Uganda, amplifying our initiatives, and championing the stories that matter. Through collaboration, we can continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Ugandans.

    The Kabaka Birthday Run kits are available at select Airtel Uganda shops like Thobani center, Ben Kiwanuka Street and the New Tax Park, and they can use Airtel Money to purchase them by dialing, *185*. Select option 5 then select KABAKA RUN.

  • Buganda Kingdom, Airtel Uganda Unveil 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run Kit

    Buganda Kingdom, Airtel Uganda Unveil 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run Kit

    Kampala: Airtel Uganda, in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, today unveiled the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run kit at Bulange-Mengo, the Buganda Kingdom Headquarters.

    The 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, scheduled for April 6, 2025, will be held under the theme “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child.” This annual event celebrates the birthday of King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, with proceeds and efforts dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, aiming to eliminate the epidemic in Uganda by 2030.

    For the past 11 years, Airtel Uganda has proudly sponsored the Kabaka Birthday Run, striving to improve lives and address societal challenges affecting communities not only in Buganda but across Uganda.
    Speaking at the event, Airtel Uganda’s Human Resource Manager, Flavia Lwanga, said, “Airtel is privileged to be part of the Kabaka Birthday Run. This year marks 11 years of partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, a journey we are immensely proud of. Over the years, our collaboration has grown and focused on improving lives and addressing societal challenges that impact the communities in which we live and operate.”

    Lwanga added, “Today, we gather once again to reaffirm our commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the goal of eliminating the epidemic from Uganda by 2030. This journey, which began in 2019, now marks five years of dedicated effort toward this cause. Rallying under the theme ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,’ we urge men to take the lead in this battle, recognizing their crucial role in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. This is not just a call to action but a movement that aligns deeply with Airtel Uganda’s commitment to community well-being and sustainable impact.”

    According to the latest data released by the Uganda AIDS Commission as of 2024, Uganda has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS. The national HIV prevalence rate has decreased from approximately 18% in the 1990s to 5.1% in 2024. New HIV infections have declined from 68,000 annually to 38,000, and AIDS-related deaths have reduced from 30,000 to 20,000 per year and this highlights the notable efforts by government, cultural inst
    While officiating the event, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, commended the impact of the Kabaka Birthday Run, noting that its efforts are beginning to yield positive results. He also praised His Majesty the Kabaka for his foresight, which has benefited not only his subjects but the entire country.

    “We are pleased to see that our commitment and efforts toward eliminating HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030 are starting to show progress. When we look at the data from UNAIDS and the Uganda AIDS Commission, it is clear that we are making a difference. This progress motivates and encourages us to continue the fight,” said Owek. Mayiga.
    He added, “The Buganda Kingdom values the support of partners like Airtel Uganda, whose dedication over the past 11 years has been instrumental in driving meaningful change. We encourage our people to support them by subscribing to their services and products, which are seamless and reliable. We also pledge to continue this partnership, as it brings great value to the Kingdom.”

    This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run kit will cost UGX 20,000 and can be purchased at select Airtel shops, including Airtel Shop New Taxi Park, Shoprite – Ben Kiwanuka, and Thobani Centre. Alternatively, participants can make payments via Airtel Money and collect their kits from any of the mentioned locations.
    “Funding for HIV care has been impacted by global forces, so we must come together as a people and mobilize ourselves to support local efforts aimed at fighting HIV and ending it by 2030. I urge all Ugandans to participate in this year’s 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run. Together, we can make a significant difference,” Lwanga concluded.

  • Sports Journalists Receive 2022 Kabaka Birthday Run Kits from Airtel as Run Nears

    In preparation of the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run slated for 3rd July 2022, Airtel Uganda the Smartphone Network with the widest 4G coverage in Uganda has today rewarded over 25 sports journalists with kits as the run nears.

    The handover was held today at Airtel Uganda Head Offices, Clement Hill where over 25 journalists representing different media houses in Uganda received the kits.

    The journalists appreciated Airtel Uganda for the packages that had a 2022 Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run branded vest, a water bottle, Sim card, and a bag.

    Noela Byuma Ag. Head brand and communication, at Airtel Uganda said, “We are pleased to handover these kits to our media partners who have supported us from time to time in covering the Kabaka Birthday Run which Airtel Uganda has sponsored for over 10 years,”She added, “Airtel is supportive of community causes, and in continuation of this spirit, today we are giving out kabaka birthday run kits to our media partners so that they can participate in the run.”

    The 2022 Kabaka Birthday Run will be held under the theme Men against AIDS to Save the Girl Child aimed at continuing to create awareness about HIV/AIDS. The proceeds from the run will be dedicated towards this cause.

    The run will be flagged off by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on 3rd July 2022 at 7:00am, at Bulange Mengo and over 80,000 runners are expected to participate.

    The 2022 Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run kits are being sold at Majestic brands and select Airtel Shops including Airtel Shop New Taxi Park, Shoprite – Ben Kiwanuka and Thobani Centre.

    “We are committed to taking part in collaborative opportunities with other stakeholders like Buganda Kingdom to positively impact our community.” Byuma concluded.

  • Countdown to 2019 Kabaka Run: Airtel Staff Confirm Participation with UGX4,000,000 Cash Contribution

    Countdown to 2019 Kabaka Run: Airtel Staff Confirm Participation with UGX4,000,000 Cash Contribution

    • Sickle Cells testing already ongoing across Kampala
    • Testing to continue until Sunday during the Kabaka Run
    Kampala: As excitement for the 2019 Airtel Kabaka run continues to build up across the country, title sponsors and Buganda Kingdom long-term partner Airtel Uganda has added to their initial contribution with a UGX4,000,000 contribution from their staff members.

    The contribution was handed over by the Airtel Uganda Head of Brand and Communication Ms. Remmie Kisakye on behalf of the employees.

    Speaking during the handover, Kisakye noted that Airtel Uganda’s contribution to this prestigious run goes beyond the 6-year partnership Airtel has with the Buganda kingdom.

    “We are happy to hand over our contribution to the Airtel Kabaka Run is at an individual level. We believe in the progress that has been made through testing and creating extended awareness for this blood disorder,” she stated.

    Airtel Uganda Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Mrs. Charity R. Bukenya commended all the Ugandans who have taken time to go to the different sickle cells testing areas and finding out their situation.

    “This year, we have created an avenue to have participants and all beneficiaries of our message to come out in droves and test for the sickle cell disease trait. We have pitched tents at Airtel Towers, Airtel Bugolobi, Mukono Health Center 5, and at Bulange Mengo gardens and we intend to remain there until the Kabaka Run. We shall also be testing at the venue on Sunday, so please come and get yourself tested free of charge,” she noted.

    Sponsored by Airtel Uganda in a partnership deal to sponsor four of the main Buganda Kingdom activities, the 2019 Kabaka Run has already attracted thousands of individuals as well as a number of top corporate companies who have all contributed to this run by buying their tickets.

    The Kabaka Run tickets can be found on sale at Airtel Uganda head office as well as their premium shops located at Shoprite Entebbe Road, Ben Kiwanuka Street, Thobani Building and the new taxi park at Shs10,000 only.

  • Airtel Uganda, Buganda Kingdom launch Airtel Kabaka Run 2019

    Airtel Uganda, Buganda Kingdom launch Airtel Kabaka Run 2019

    Proceeds to promote Sickle Cell Disease awareness in Uganda

    Run set for April 7, 2019, tickets going for Shs10,000

    Payments can be made via Airtel Money

    Airtel Uganda in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom has today launched the 2019 edition of the annual Airtel Kabaka run at the Buganda Kingdom offices in Bulange Mengo.

    The 2019 Kabaka Run will be held on April 7, 2019 and the tickets are on sale starting today at Shs10,000.

    Speaking at the launch of the Run, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Mr. V.G. Somasekhar thanked the Buganda Kingdom for the unique opportunity and called upon Ugandans to, as always, join in the noble cause to alleviate the Sickle Cell Disease through participating in the Run.

    “In line with our three-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 proceeds of this prestigious run,” he said.

    The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga thanked Airtel Uganda for taking a keen interest in the development of Ugandan communities.

    “With poor health, there is not much that one can do. We are working tirelessly with committed partners such as Airtel Uganda and other partners to ensure that we improve persistent and yet avoidable health problems, then we can focus on other community development issues,” he noted.

    The Kabaka run – an annual event celebrated to mark the King’s birthday – is 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.

    Participants will be flagged off in Lubiri Mengo by His Majesty the Kabaka for the 5km, 10kms and 21km routes. Participants are encouraged to register starting today at Bulange Mengo, New vision Head office, Airtel Shop New Park – Kyaggwe Road, Airtel Shop Ben Kiwanuka Street- ShopRite Building and Airtel Shop -Thobani Building. Payments can also be done using Airtel Money; Dial *185#, Select payments, select Kabaka Run, Enter pin and complete the payment.

  • Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom launch the 2018 Kabaka Run

    Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom launch the 2018 Kabaka Run

    Continue Focus on the fight against Sickle Cells

    Following a highly successful 2017 Kabaka Birthday Run, Airtel Uganda has today announced its sponsorship of the 2018 Kabaka Birthday Run that will be held on Sunday 8th April 2018 at Bulange in Mengo.

    In line with the three – year theme announced last year – Fight against Sickle Cells, proceeds from the run will also be directed towards fighting the sickle cells disease in Uganda.

    Last year, Airtel Uganda, in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, handed over 60,000 sickle cell testing kits, bought from the proceeds of the Kabaka Birthday Run 2017, to the administration of The Uganda National Health Laboratory Services to enable them carry out conclusive testing for the prevalent disease. The kits would allow over 120,000 people to test for the sickle cells disease free of charge.

    Airtel Uganda Head of Brand and Communications, Remmie Kisakye, Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga, Katikiro of Buganda KIngdom, Owek, Charles Peter Mayiga launching Kabaka Run 2018 at Bulange Mengo

    Commenting about the sponsorship, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Mr. V.G. Somasekhar noted that Corporate Social Responsibility is very central to Airtel and is an integral pillar of the business.

    “Through our partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, we have been able to change the lives individuals and communities in Uganda. This year, we intend to continue this life changing work by collecting funds that will be used to educate Ugandans about sickle cells, enable proper treatment of patients and fund research into how best we can contain it,” he stated.

    Somasekhar added that besides Kabaka Run, Airtel Uganda has been involved in other successful CSR programmes like Together we can which won the Best CSR campaign award 2017 and Adopt a school which focuses on the transformation of dilapidated schools to provide a better learning environment.  Various health camps across the country offering free medical services to underprivileged communities have also been held in partnership with the Ministry of Health among other partners.

    The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayigga thanked Airtel Uganda and other partners; such as the Ministry of Health in the Central Government and Uganda Sickle Cell Foundation, for their sponsorship, which has brought awareness and funding to illnesses that have dominated Uganda for many years.

    “First, we worked together to tackle fistula and now we are focusing on sickle cells. With strategic and consistent partners such as Airtel Uganda, we shall win the fight against these sicknesses that are claiming lives of very many Ugandans,” he commented.

    The Kabaka run – an annual event celebrated to mark the King’s birthday – is 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.

    The run will be held on 8th April 2018 and participants will be flagged off in Lubiri Mengo by His Majesty the Kabaka for the 5km, 10kms and 21km routes.

  • Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom handover Shs.110,000,000 to the Central Public Health Laboratory in the fight to end Sickle Cells

    Airtel Uganda and Buganda Kingdom handover Shs.110,000,000 to the Central Public Health Laboratory in the fight to end Sickle Cells

    Yesterday, Airtel Uganda together with the Buganda Kingdom have handed over Shs.110,000,000/- (One hundred and ten million shillings) that was collected during the Kabaka Birthday Run 2017 as a contribution towards the fight to end Sickle cells in Uganda .

    The handover to the Central Public Health Laboratory under the Ministry of Health was graced by Buganda Kingdom officials led by the Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga and the Buganda Kingdom Minister of Sports Owek. Sekabembe Henry, alongside Airtel Uganda team headed by Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Deepak Bhatia.

    Airtel Uganda officials led by Chief Commercial Officer, Deepak Bhatia, Buganda Kingdom Katikiro, Owek.Charles Peter Mayiga and Ministry of Health officials, pose with a dummy cheque handed over to Central Public

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Bhatia said, “We are so honored and proud to partner with the Buganda Kingdom in the fight to put an end to Sickle cells in the country.”

    “This partnership is Airtel’s commitment to working with various stakeholders to improve health standards in Uganda and providing affordable healthcare to our customers through investing in passion points that connect our customers such as the annual Kabaka Birthday Run,” he added.

    Airtel Uganda Chief Commercial Officer Deepak Bhatia, gives a speech during the handover of the proceeds got from Kabaka Birthday Run to Central Public Health Laboratory at Bulange Mengo

    “I would like to thank and recognize all Airtel Uganda customers, fellow sponsors, the media as well as the general public who showed support to those suffering from sickle cells by coming and participating in the 2017 Kabaka Run” he concluded

    Buganda Kingdom Katikiro, Owek Peter Mayiga thanked Airtel Uganda for their support in this fight and praised them for always coming out strongly to show support to Ugandans on the social causes that are very important to society development.

    Airtel Uganda team led by Chief Commercial Officer, Deepak Bhatia, recieve a certificate of appreciation from the Katikiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga for the work well done during the Kabaka Birthday Run

    “I encourage my fellow Ugandans who have been affected by this scourge of Sickle Cells in one way or another to support each other and seek medical help and be consistent in their treatments as partners like Airtel come together with the Kingdom of Buganda to put an end to this disease,” he concluded.

    According to the Ministry of Health, over 25,000 babies are born each year with sickle cell disease and over 80% die before their 5th birthday contributing to 15% infant mortality, 13.3% of the total population have Sickle cell traits.

  • Excitement as Kabaka Run draws closer

    Excitement as Kabaka Run draws closer

    Excitement is brewing amongst Ugandans as the annual Kabaka birthday run draws closer

    Sponsored by Airtel in a partnership deal to sponsor four of the main Buganda Kingdom activities, the 2017 Kabaka Run themed “Fight against sickle cells” has already attracted thousands of individuals as well as a number of top corporate companies including Post Bank, City Tyres, GoTV and many others.

    Last year, the run attracted different people from all walks of life including children, musicians, politicians as well as members of the royal family led by Omulangira David Wasajja Kintu and was flagged off by the Kabaka of Buganda.

    Speaking about the 2017 Kabaka Birthday Run, the Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Anwar Soussa reminded all Ugandans who had not yet registered for the run to come and show support for the sickle cells patients in Uganda.

    “Few more days. It is not too late to come and support this cause,” he said.

    “We do this because we believe in the progress that comes out of coming together to support a single goal. Last year, fistula patients greatly benefitted from the Kabaka run and I am confident that sickle cells patients will benefit this year,” he added.

    According to the Ministry of Health, over 25,000 babies are born each year with sickle cell disease and over 80% die before their 5th birthday contributing to 15% infant mortality, 13.3% of the total population have Sickle cell traits.

    The Kabaka Run tickets can be found on sale at Airtel Uganda head office as well as their premium shops located at Shoprite Entebbe Road, Ben Kiwanuka Street, Plaza building Jinja road and the new taxi park at Shs10,000 only.

  • Airtel Uganda, Buganda Kingdom join fight against Sickle Cells

    Airtel Uganda, Buganda Kingdom join fight against Sickle Cells

    2017 Kabaka Run themed “Fight against Sickle Cells”

    Airtel Uganda has, once again, come on board as a platinum sponsor for the 2017 Kabaka Run as part of their three-year partnership with the Buganda Kingdom to sponsor four of the kingdom’s most important activities; the Kabaka’s birthday Run, Kabaka’s birthday celebration, the Kabaka’s coronation as well as Eid El Fitri.

    Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Anwar Soussa, Katikiro of Buganda, Owek Peter Mayiga, Minister of Health, Hon. Jane Acheing, and the Airtel team, pose for a photo during the launch of Kabaka Run 2017 at Bulange Mengo

    During the press conference held this morning at the Kingdom offices in Bulange Mengo, the Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayigga also announced that for the next three years, emphasis will be placed on sickle cell awareness under the theme FIGHT AGAINST SICKLE CELLS. This cause has brought new strategic partners on board which includes the Ministry of Health in the Central Government and Uganda Sickle Cell Foundation – an NGO with an aim of raising sickle cell awareness in the country.

    Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Anwar Soussa, gives a speech during the launch of Kabaka Run 2017 at Bulange Mengo

    According to the Ministry of Health over 25,000 babies are born each year with sickle cell disease and over 80% die before their 5th birthday contributing to 15% infant mortality, 13.3% of the total population have Sickle cell traits and 21% are within the Buganda region, It’s against this background that the Kingdom has made a decision to dedicate this run to this cause and create awareness.

    Speaking at the press conference, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Mr. Anwar Soussa commended the Buganda Kingdom for always coming up with causes and activities that positively impact Ugandans.

    “At Airtel Uganda, we pride ourselves on creating impactful partnerships which ultimately benefit the community we work in. This is the reason as to why we are very proud to partner with the Buganda Kingdom every year in order to make a difference, not just here in Buganda but in the entire country,” he said.

    Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Anwar Soussa, signs on the dummy ticket during the launch of Kabaka Run 2017 at Bulange Mengo

    Commenting about the new theme, Soussa noted that “By sponsoring such a noble cause, we are hopeful that we shall educate Ugandans about sickle cells and increase on the funds to enable proper treatment of patients and research into how best we can contain it.”

    The run will be held on the 9th April 2017 flagged off in Lubiri Mengo by His Majesty the Kabaka; this will have the 5km, 10kms and 21km routes.