Kabale University joins the rest of Uganda in celebrating Kabaka Birthday Run 2026

Together with two other sister institutions of higher education in the Kabale, our staff and students participated in the 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run. The ceremony was held early on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026. It is not only intended to commemorate the Kabaka’s 71st birthday, but also to raise awareness about HIV/ AIDS. The theme of this year’s run was “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Johnny Mugisha, presided over the ceremony and expressed his appreciation to the participants. In addition, he emphasized the importance of boys and men working together with women in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Johnny Mugisha emphasized that our involvement was integral to affirming Kabale University’s diversity. Our celebration of such national events truly reflects our position the university without walls. Additionally, he emphasized the fact that AIDS can only be defeated through a combined effort.

He expressed his gratitude to Kabale University for celebrating the Kabaka birthday run annually in conjunction with other Ugandans as he congratulated the Kabaka of Buganda.

Under the theme of “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” the event focused on sharing responsibility for promoting health and addressing HIV/AIDS.This collaborative approach not only strengthens community bonds but also reinforces the university’s commitment to social responsibility. By engaging in such initiatives, Kabale University demonstrates its role in fostering awareness, inclusivity, and collective action to address critical health challenges and promote sustainable development goals within society. 

In the role of Chief Runner, Professor Johnny Mugisha represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga. The University community was led by him in the run. He was joined by a large delegation of Kabale University staff, including Professor Kaaya the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Professor Edward Wamala the Dean of the Social Sciences Faculty, Jones Murangira the Deputy Chief of ICT, Dr Monica Kanyesigye the Deputy Academic Registrar, Godfrey Sempungu the Head of Communications Branding and Marketing, Jacqueline Akello the Senior Grants Officer, and Confidende Nkurunungi the Senior University Counsellor among others.

Among those in attendance were Mr. Bogere Peterson, representing the Uganda College of Commerce, as well as well-wishers and members of the student body. The Kabale School of Nursing also participated in the event, reinforcing the day’s health-focused theme. Bogere Peterson encouraged participants to continue their fight against HIV, adding that it is significant that many of the participants are healthy.

At the conclusion of the run, Dr. Johnny Mugisha expressed gratitude for the annual run and its role in highlighting critical health issues. He stressed the importance of togetherness by saying, “It is not just for the Buganda Kingdom, but for all of us.”. “We are associated with the Kingdom because of its values,” he said. Kabale University is committed to inclusion. In order to promote good health for all, we are committed to doing so. Further, he expressed the wish that such health-driven initiatives could be held more frequently in order to sustain awareness and encourage action. 

Students from all three institutions participated in the run. Together with the Uganda College of Commerce in Kabale, the Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing participated in this annual event. The Kabaka Birthday Run has continued to serve as a platform for integrating culture, health advocacy, and community engagement, reflecting Kabale University’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. 

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