At the heart of Uganda’s renewed push against HIV/AIDS, Airtel Uganda reaffirmed its long-standing commitment through a significant and visible presence at the 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, held at Kabaka’s Palace.
The annual run, which coincided with the 71st birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, drew thousands of Ugandans to Lubiri-Mengo in a powerful show of unity and purpose.
This year’s theme, “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,” placed emphasis on male-led responsibility in combating the epidemic.
As one of the main sponsors, Airtel Uganda fielded over 100 staff members and participants, led by its Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar.
Demonstrating both leadership and solidarity, Taldar personally took part in the 10km race, underlining the company’s active engagement in the cause.
Ahead of the run, he also officially handed over a participation kit to the Kabaka, symbolising the enduring partnership between Airtel and the Buganda Kingdom.
Taldar expressed deep admiration for the spirit of Ugandans and the collective resolve demonstrated through the run.
“Since I arrived in this beautiful country, I have been hit with a wave of nostalgia. Ugandans are very happy and hospitable people; they inspire you to belong.
It is inspiring to see thousands of Ugandans unite in such great numbers for a noble cause—HIV/AIDS, for which almost every family has a scar.
Each one of us is here to make history as participants in one of the biggest efforts aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030.
Our strong partnership with the Buganda Kingdom reaffirms our commitment to Uganda’s sustainable health development.
Together, we can eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030,” he noted.
Since its inception in 2014, the Airtel-supported Kabaka Birthday Run has grown into one of Uganda’s largest annual sporting and charity events, while also ranking among the biggest unique charity runs globally.
Over the years, it has championed critical health causes including sickle cell awareness and fistula prevention, and now serves as a central platform in the national fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, reinforced the urgency of this year’s theme, calling for collective responsibility in safeguarding public health.
“This year, our key message is very clear: Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The Kabaka Birthday Run is not merely a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, but a wake-up call to intensify our efforts in the fight for better health in Uganda.
We appreciate our long-time partner, Airtel Uganda, whose continued support has been instrumental in making a real difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” he stated.
Through sustained advocacy and mobilisation, initiatives such as the Kabaka Birthday Run continue to drive Uganda closer to the goal of an AIDS-free generation. Airtel Uganda, Taldar emphasized, remains firmly aligned with this vision.
“As Airtel Uganda, we remain committed to initiatives that positively impact the lives of Ugandans within and beyond the Kingdom.
The fight against HIV/AIDS requires collective action, and we are proud to stand with the Buganda Kingdom and all Ugandans in this noble cause,” he concluded.
Data from the Uganda AIDS Commission underscores both the progress made and the urgency that remains.
Approximately 1.4 to 1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with adult prevalence estimated between 4.9% and 5.4%.
While AIDS-related deaths have declined significantly—dropping by 64% since 2010 to about 20,000 annually—an estimated 37,000 new infections are still recorded each year, reinforcing the need for sustained awareness, prevention, care, and treatment efforts.
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, operating in 14 countries across East, Central, and West Africa.
The company delivers an integrated suite of services, including mobile voice, data, and both domestic and international mobile money solutions. Airtel Africa continues to focus on delivering a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined and efficient service delivery.
