Africa-Press – Uganda. Preparations for the 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run continue to gain momentum, with growing support from cultural and traditional stakeholders across the country.
Leaders of traditional and cultural faiths, led by the President of Traditional Healers, Nnaalongo Nansamba Mutongole, officially visited the Buganda Kingdom headquarters to show their support for the upcoming event. During the visit, they purchased running kits, which were handed over by the Buganda Kingdom Minister of Heritage, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism and Security, Anthony Wamala.
Speaking at the engagement held at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo on Thursday, Minister Wamala expressed his gratitude to the group for embracing the Kabaka Birthday Run initiative. He encouraged them to use the platform as a means to intensify efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS within their communities.
“This initiative should be taken as a symbol of the fight against HIV/AIDS among all the people you lead and those you live with. The Kabaka has been a champion in the fight against this disease across Africa,” he said.
Minister Wamala further urged the leaders to strengthen and modernize their belief systems in ways that align with contemporary development. He emphasized the importance of promoting proper dress, improving places of worship, and documenting their practices to ensure sustainability and formal recognition.
Nnaalongo Nansamba Mutongole described their visit to the Kingdom as a homecoming, noting that culture and tradition are rooted in the Buganda Kingdom.
“Coming to the Kingdom is like returning home because culture originates here,” she said. She also appealed to the Minister to integrate them into all Kingdom programs, particularly those involving prayers for the Kabaka, such as coronation anniversaries and birthday celebrations.
She pledged to mobilize her colleagues to actively participate in all development initiatives organized by the Kingdom to ensure continued progress.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Cultural and Traditional Council, Ssaalongo Luwangula Basajjansolo, commended traditional healers for responding to the Kingdom’s call. He urged them to remain consistent in their efforts and continue organizing themselves to strengthen and restore cultural traditions to prominence.
The Kabaka’s 71st Birthday Run, scheduled to take place on April 12, 2026 remains a key annual event aimed at mobilizing communities to support public health causes, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDS.
