I&M Bank Uganda has reinforced its position as the official bank partner of the Kabaka Birthday Run, slated for its 13th edition on Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
The 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run was officially launched on Wednesday, February 18th, at Bulange Mengo, with the unveiling of this year’s kit.
This year’s edition is quite special, as it will take place on the eve of celebrations to mark the 71st birthday of His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Kimera Mutebi II.
The launch was presided over by the Buganda Kingdom Premier- Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, and graced by the Deputy Katikkiro- Owek Twaha Kawaase, as well as Buganda Kingdom cabinet ministers, event partners, and community leaders.
The 2026 run maintained the theme- ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,’ and aims to highlight the importance of men’s involvement in health initiatives.
While HIV/AIDS is being tackled through initiatives like the Kabaka Birthday Run, the Katikkiro urged everyone to take personal responsibility for their health. He highlighted that knowledge, awareness, engagement, and open communication remain the most effective weapons in the fight against the virus.
“When the Kabaka joined government leaders in addressing HIV prevention, the public responded positively. Campaigns promoting abstinence among young people, HIV testing- especially for men, adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and faithfulness in marriage, were reinforced and widely embraced. Efforts must continue to accelerate progress and achieve the 2030 global target,” the Katikkiro said.
He further urged companies to balance profit with concern for community well-being, stating that commerce without regard for people’s health is not sustainable. The Kattikiro thanked partners like I&M Bank, for supporting the cause.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO Robin Bairstow, I&M Bank Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer, Sam Ntulume, stated that the bank believes that success is inseparable from the well-being of the community it serves.
“Our dedication extends beyond financial services, to creating lasting positive impact, through social investment programs anchored on four key pillars: education and skills development, environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and enabling giving.
The Kabaka Birthday Run is a flagship initiative under our enabling giving pillar, providing a platform that directly benefits thousands of Ugandans. Its repeated success demonstrates how empowering communities and creating opportunities for giving can generate widespread social change, reflecting our commitment to enabling positive outcomes for all,” Ntulume said.
Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, applauded the Kabaka Birthday Run for steadily bringing people together with the aim of promoting healthier living.
“The Kabaka Birthday Run is such an inspirational initiative because of how it has positively impacted various communities, for the last 16 years. The run has promoted healthy living, unity, and fostered social engagement. I&M bank is proud to be part of this journey,” Nakiyaga said, adding that apart from the partnership, I&M Bank’s staff will actively participate in the event.
Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, the Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission, acknowledged the progress made towards reducing HIV prevalence in Uganda, but warned of some unresolved challenges.
“Although HIV prevalence has reduced overall, high infection rates among adolescent girls and young women remain a serious concern. This reminds us that the fight is far from over,” she said, before announcing a Shs 30m sponsorship towards this year’s run.
Kim Henderson, UNAIDS Country Director, hailed the role of cultural leaders in advancing the global AIDS response, highlighting the Kabaka of Buganda, a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, for his leadership in mobilizing communities.
“The proportion of individuals on antiretroviral therapy has increased from 81 to 89 percent. From 2020 to 2024, the Buganda region has achieved a 21 percent reduction in new HIV infections, dropping from 18,400 to 14,500 cases.” he said.
This Kabaka Birthday Run 13th edition is expected to attract over 130,000 runners. The race will feature 21km, 10km, and 5km routes.
Other partners of the Kabaka Birthday Run include- Airtel Uganda, Daily Monitor, Vision Group, Crown Beverages, BBS, CBS, K2 Telecom, UNAIDS, and the Uganda AIDS Commission.
