Every time the King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II appears before his subjects, the euphoria is unexplained.
On Sunday, the King endured the early morning dew to flag off the Kabaka Birthday Run to celebrate his 61st birthday.
His Majesty arrived at the Mengo Palace at 6:50AM to flag off the different races in the 5KM, 10KM and 21KM categories. Chief runner, Prince David Wassajja, 49, took approximately two hours to complete the 21 KM race flanked by a big gathering.
He was joined by several Kingdom ministers, Vision group CEO, Robert Kabushenga, Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Music stars Big Eye and Bobi Wine, Kickboxer Ronald Mugula, the entire Express F.C playing staff and their CEO, Ram Hajji alongside many other people.
The participants joined hands to sweat for health in the cause with a common goal of raising proceeds to fight the fistula scourge among women.
“It has been a great race. It is one way to network, keep fit, enjoy life with the Kabaka as we raise money towards the fight against Fistula disease” Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister, Owek. Henry Peter Mayiga said.
Multitudes of people including the young and the old in all sizes graced the run that had a few elite athletes taking part.
John Bogere clocked 30 minutes and seven seconds to win the 5KM men event. John Kateregga 36:41 won the 10KM whilst Sadiq Bahati was the best in the 21KM men version.
Meanwhile, Koli Evaline Ocen was the best in the women 10 KM race with Stellah Akullo Wonruku taking the runners’ gong.
Run chief sponsors Airtel Uganda Limited were well represented by a big passionate team led by Communications manager, Remmy Kisakye.
Kisakye thanked all the participants for the good heart with special praise to Buganda Kingdom for the cordial relationship.
Associating with Buganda Kingdom has been a worthwhile venture. I also thank all the participants for having sacrificed their time and resources to take part.
The run is an annual event attended by Kampala’s top organizations and celebrities.
WINNERS – 5KM (Men):
1- John Bogere (00:30:07)
2- Moses Mukimbiri
3- Brian Kigongo
4- Robert Mutebi
5- John Oketcho
WINNERS – 10 KM (Men):
1- John Kateregga (00:36:41)
2- Grace Mutaka (00:38:06)
3- Richard Amanda
4 – Jackson Kazibwe
WINNERS – 10 KM (Women):
1- Koli Evaline Ocen
2- Stellah Akullo Wonruku
3- Joyce Ajok
WINNERS – 21 KM (Men):
1 – Sadiq Bahati
2 – Robert Lubega
3 – Gonzaga Ssebuma