By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Bank Uganda has strengthened its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS by backing the 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, reinforcing the growing role of corporate institutions in supporting Uganda’s public health campaigns.
The bank has purchased and donated 140 running kits for the annual event, which is scheduled for April 12 and will celebrate the 71st birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II while raising awareness and mobilizing action against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking ahead of the run, Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Sserumaga said the institution was proud to partner with the Buganda Kingdom in advancing efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
“As Equity Bank Uganda, we are honored to join the 13th edition of the Kabaka’s Birthday Run 2026,” Sserumaga said. “Equity Bank proudly stands with Buganda Kingdom in this noble cause because, just like the Kingdom, our mission is to see AIDS end by 2030.”
This year’s run is themed, “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,” placing a spotlight on the role men can play in preventing new HIV infections, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting healthier communities.
Sserumaga said the campaign aligns with Equity Bank’s broader mission of transforming lives and creating opportunities for prosperity.
“Just like the Kingdom, we exist to transform lives, livelihoods and create opportunities for wealth and prosperity,” he said. “Together, let us run for health, for hope, and for a future free of HIV/AIDS.”
In a demonstration of the bank’s hands-on commitment, Sserumaga also announced that he will personally participate in the 21-kilometre race.
The Kabaka Birthday Run has evolved into one of Uganda’s largest public health mobilisation events since its inception. What started with about 1,000 participants has grown into a nationwide campaign expected to attract more than 130,000 runners this year.
Its growth has been driven in part by support from corporate sponsors whose contributions help expand the event’s reach, visibility and impact across the country.
Beyond raising funds, the run has become an important platform for promoting HIV testing, safe male circumcision, condom use, treatment adherence and community awareness. Organisers say these efforts have contributed to Uganda’s broader gains in the fight against the epidemic.
According to UNAIDS, HIV prevalence among Ugandan adults aged 15 to 49 has declined from 7.3 percent in 2010 to 4.9 percent in 2024. New infections have dropped by 61 percent, while more than 1.3 million people are currently accessing antiretroviral treatment.
The annual run continues to leverage the cultural influence of the Buganda Kingdom to drive behaviour change and strengthen public health messaging, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities.
Sserumaga said ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 will require collective action from governments, cultural institutions, businesses and individuals.
“This year’s theme reminds us of our shared responsibility in the fight to end HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he said.
The run will be flagged off by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II as part of celebrations marking his 71st birthday, with thousands expected to participate in support of a future free from HIV/AIDS. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
