Kabaka Flags Off Thousands in Euphoric 70th Birthday Run: A Kingdom in Motion
Across Uganda, from Masaka to Mukono, Mpigi to Kyotera, every Gombolola (sub-county) headquarters in Buganda Kingdom staged synchronized birthday runs, each echoing the energy and symbolism from Lubiri. Even more heartening, in distant lands—London, Toronto, Dublin, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen—where the Baganda diaspora continues to beat with the heart of the kingdom, similar runs painted foreign streets in royal red. No border could contain the loyalty of a people running in honour of their King.
Uganda Today Edition: A Kingdom in Motion: Kabaka Flags Off Thousands in Euphoric 70th Birthday Run
By Uganda Today Newsroom | Mengo, Kampala
www.ugandatoday.co.ug
In the heart of Buganda’s ancestral seat, where tradition dances with history, the sun barely stretched across the Lubiri lawns when a sea of red rose with one rhythm, one cause, and one voice. This morning, at the historic palace grounds of Mmengo, His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II—the lion of Buganda and son of Muteesa—stood tall and mighty, flag in hand, and with a solemn yet regal wave, set his kingdom in motion.
The Kabaka’s Birthday Run, now a storied tradition on Uganda’s social and cultural calendar, returned in full majestic force, marking the prelude to a milestone celebration—His Majesty’s 70th birthday, to be officially honoured at Lubaga Cathedral on April 13th, 2025. With every drumbeat and footstep, the people of Buganda did not merely run; they echoed loyalty, celebrated life, and marched boldly in the Kabaka’s legacy.
A Kingdom Undeterred by Rain
The heavens opened wide, and unrelenting torrential rains fell upon Kampala and beyond. Yet, not even nature’s fiercest blessing could wash away the fire in the hearts of the Kabaka’s people. Over 120,000 runners—children, elders, royals, and citizens—braved the downpour and danced through the puddles with purpose.
Soaked to the bone but rich in spirit, they came in numbers unmatched, turning Lubiri into a river of red, flowing with unity, health, and hope. The rain was not an obstacle—it became part of the ritual, the cleansing, and the celebration.
From Mengo to the World
The Kabaka’s Birthday Run is no longer just a Buganda event. It is a global cultural movement.
Across Uganda, from Masaka to Mukono, Mpigi to Kyotera, every Gombolola (sub-county) headquarters in Buganda Kingdom staged synchronized birthday runs, each echoing the energy and symbolism from Lubiri.
Even more heartening, in distant lands—London, Toronto, Dublin, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen—where the Baganda diaspora continues to beat with the heart of the kingdom, similar runs painted foreign streets in royal red. No border could contain the loyalty of a people running in honour of their King.
A Kingdom’s Cause: Running for Health
This year’s run, held under the theme “Men Against AIDS to Save the Girl Child”, continues the Kabaka’s decade-long tradition of using his birthday not for personal glory, but for public good. The run amplified a national call to action in the fight against HIV/AIDS, urging particularly male involvement in prevention and support.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who has tirelessly mobilized the kingdom around this annual cause, once again called on political actors, notably NRM and PLU, to win hearts through service—not slogans.
“If you want to win the hearts of Buganda, invest in the health sector,” Mayiga urged. “We’ve seen expectant mothers delivering under kerosene light in Buruuli. This must change.”
Support From All Sides
This year, political leaders took note. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) jointly contributed over UGX 60 million towards the run—an unprecedented gesture of solidarity in honour of the Kabaka and the cause.
“As PLU, we are committed to improving people’s lives. This run is a symbol of unity and a fight for our future,” said Michael Toyota, PLU’s Vice National Chairman, while handing over the contribution.
A King, A People, A Legacy in Motion
The Kabaka’s 70th Birthday Run has not only mobilised hearts and legs but stirred souls. In this one day, Buganda reaffirmed its timeless truth: that power lies not only in government houses or parliaments but in the hearts of the people—and the Kabaka continues to reign there, unwavering.
As the sun climbed over Lubiri and the final runners returned, muddy and beaming, it was clear: Buganda ran not just to celebrate a birthday, but to declare a legacy—one of cultural pride, health, unity, and a people unshaken in loyalty.
April 13th is the actual day His Majesty was born, but today, the kingdom reminded the world why it runs for him, year after year, from hill to hill, heart to heart.
Long live the Kabaka.
📷 Images courtesy of BBS Terefayina
➡️ Stay with Uganda Today for more updates ahead of the official 70th birthday celebrations at Lubaga Cathedral.
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