To organize a successful sporting event is one development, and to build a solid as well as an accountable reputation is another.
When Airtel Uganda partnered with the Buganda Kingdom as chief sponsors for the Kabaka Birthday Run with the noble cause of improving health concerns three years ago, the aforementioned goals remained the prime targets to achieve.
As the leading telecommunications company in the country, Airtel Uganda has optimally used the Kabaka Birthday Run platform to maintain its fast growing network of customers and lure new ones on board with the unquestionable Kingdom followers and sympathizers alike.
The initial two editions were aimed at helping Fistula affected patients not only within the Buganda Kingdom, but across the divide.
The 2017 edition which was held on 9th April 2017, arguably the most attended was dedicated towards helping sickle cell patients.
On Monday, Uganda Shillings 110,000,000 was announced the official amount of money collected from the run that drew the corporate family, celebrities, rich and marginalized, the young as well as ageing in the community.
There was a drastic fall in the amount of revenue collected from the 2016 run which had fetched Shs316M.
During the handover ceremony at Bulange in Mengo, Airtel Uganda Limited was represented by the Chief Commercial Officer Deepak Bhatia and Remmy Kisakye (Communications) who represented the Managing Director, Anwar Soussa.
The Kingdom was also ably represented by the Katikiro (Prime minister), Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Sports Minister Owek. Henry Ssekabembe Kiberu.
“Airtel Uganda is very delighted to be part of the Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run. We shall work with you for many more years to come,” Bhartia noted.
“Strength of any government is measured by the contribution made to help its respective people economically, socially, morally,” Ssekabembe remarked.
Representing the central government was Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Opendi who thanked the Buganda Kingdom for the great initiative.
We thank the Buganda Kingdom for starting the Kabaka Birthday Run with the purpose of improving health in the country.
We need on board all the other cultural institutions in Uganda. Sickle cell remains a neglected disease in the country.
In his address, the Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga strongly condemned the mentality harbored by many Ugandans that sickle cell is brought about by witchcraft.
“The multitudes of people who took part in the Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run are a testimony of the love the people have for Buganda Kingdom. Buganda Kingdom prioritizes health promotion,” Owek. Mayiga stated as he addressed the guests and media during the handover ceremony.
Other partners and sponsors on board
Besides Airtel Uganda Limited, there were many other partners who worked tooth and nail in the successful Kabaka Birthday Run.
All the sponsors and partners were awarded with certificates of recognition.
The Airtel Kabaka Birthday Run has been held since 2014 as one of the festivities to celebrate the birth date of the King of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.