The Airtel Kabaka birthday fun run has now officially become one of Uganda’s most awaited social events on the calendar.
The run is primarily meant to celebrate the birthday of the Buganda Kingdom king, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II with particular Corporate Social Responsibility causes attached to the run.
In 2015 when the run was first held and the following year, proceeds were geared to the fistula victims.
This time round, the proceeds will help patients of the sickle cell disease.
For the third year running, telecommunications giants Airtel Uganda have successfully spearheaded the cause to celebrate the birthday.
Like for the previous editions, this year too witnessed thousands of participants grace the Mengo Lubiri Royal Palace as early as 5 a.m ready for the official flag off in the 5, 10 and 21km races.
Incidentally, this year’s run corresponded with the famous Palm Sunday, celebrated days to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
People from all works of life from Government officials, company CEO’s, private business entities, lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers, royal Kingdom leaders, clergy, journalists, politicians, musicians, comedians, the socialites, students, name them took part all with a mission or two at hand.
By 5:15 a.m, the start and finish zone was full to capacity as the runners were engaged in the warm up drills led by instructors from Hotel Africana under fast music.
It wasn’t until 7:07 a.m when His Majesty Kabaka Mutebi arrived to a thunderous applause.
The Kabaka was warmly received by the Kingdom premier (Katikiro) Owek. Henry Peter Mayiga accompanied by other Kingdom officials and the Vision Group boss Robert Kabusenga.
Moments later, the Buganda and Uganda anthems were chorused aloud with passion.
At 7:24 a.m, the Kabaka flagged off the first race – 21KM.
A few minutes later, the 10 and 5km categories were flagged off at 7:27 and 7:32 a.m respectively.
Winners:
Frank Okello crossed the finishing tape first in the 5km race that covered the distance around the famous Mengo ring road. Musa Kasirivu, Shafiq Kinene and Julius Ceasar Kyasanaku followed in the respective positions.
Uganda Wild life Authority’s Alex Musajjaakawa took the 10km race top slot in 41 minutes. George Williams Kimbowa closely followed having used 42 minutes.
Buganda Kingdom princess Katrina Sangalyambogo ran 10km in 58 minutes as the chief runner Prince David Wasajja participated in the 21km race who completed the race in 3 hours, 3 minutes and 07 mirco-seconds.
Musajjaakawa, the 10km winner was overwhelmed upon having came top out of the multitudes of people.
The Wildlife Authority runner acknowledged the run is a perfect rehearsal for his future engagements.
I am glad to have won because the people were so many. This is good practice for me because I plan to take in a number of events this year.
The fun race also provided that perfect platform for many to fine tune and exercise their bodies for better health living.
To many however, the run has also provided that opportunity to network, widen business chain links, acquire new friends and meet the old pals as well.
Mutungo resident Winnie Babirye Mukwaya, 43, admits the fun run provided her with the chance of the life time to meet her current husband and she has made many friends out of the funfare.
First, I have been able to see my Kabaka whenever the run is there.
Then, I will not forget having met my man from the first race which I took part in. I love the Kabaka Birthday run.
For the young and old, marginalized and the filthy rich people, the Kabaka Birthday fun run continues to provide that much treasured plat form of mingling masses together.
