For over a decade, the Kingdom of Buganda has transformed the Kabaka’s birthday into a national call to action.
The Kabaka Birthday Run, whose 13th Edition this year is themed Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child, continues to stand as Uganda’s most powerful annual mobilisation against HIV/AIDS.
Since its inception, the Kabaka Birthday Run has evolved from just 1,000 participants to more than 130,000 runners in 2026.
The funds realised from the run directly support HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and testing initiatives across the country, and the impact is undeniable.
According to UNAIDS, national HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 declined from 7.3% in 2010 to 4.9% in 2024. New infections dropped by 61%, from 96,000 to 37,000, while infections among young people aged 15 – 24 fell by 57%. AIDS-related deaths declined by 63%, and access to antiretroviral therapy now reaches over 1.3 million Ugandans.
While this progress is significant, the 2030 goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat requires sustained, collective action. That is the role the Kabaka Birthday Run continues to play and Betika has joined forces for the run scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12.
For Betika, participation in the Kabaka Birthday Run reflects more than presence; it underscores a deliberate commitment to investing in the communities it serves. As part of this year’s engagement, Betika made a meaningful sponsorship contribution, with the full amount going directly towards supporting HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, and prevention efforts across the country.
HIV/AIDS has touched every community in Uganda. The Kabaka Birthday Run remains one of the most impactful platforms for awareness, prevention, and action. Betika is proud to stand alongside Ugandans in advancing Kabaka’s vision for a healthier nation. Our commitment goes beyond entertainment, we are here to support the causes that truly matter.
Denis Nantajja, Operations Lead at Betika Uganda
The Kabaka Birthday Run is more than a race; it is a national platform for public health action, a celebration of Buganda’s cultural identity, and a unifying moment for Ugandans.
Over the years, the Kabaka Birthday Run has played a critical role in driving HIV testing, promoting safe male circumcision, encouraging consistent condom use, and strengthening treatment adherence. These efforts have directly contributed to Uganda’s progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with 94% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% on treatment, and 97% achieving viral suppression.
Betika continues to lead from the front, championing initiatives that uplift communities and create lasting impact as well as deliver real, measurable change.
