On April 6, 2025, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) joined thousands in the 12th annual Kabaka Birthday Run aimed at ending AIDS/HIV as a public health threat in Uganda. This year’s run, held under the theme “Men Against HIV/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,” spotlighted a pressing issue—an alarming number of young women continue to be infected with HIV every week. According to UNAIDS, 570 girls aged 15 to 24 contract HIV in Uganda every single week. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action.
IUEA proudly stepped forward in response, championing health and human dignity as it always has, both within the university and in the greater community.
What is the Kabaka Birthday Run?
The Kabaka Birthday Run is more than a fitness event—it is one of Uganda’s most impactful public health campaigns. Each year, it mobilises tens of thousands to support critical health causes while celebrating the birthday of the Kabaka, the King of Buganda.
Since 2014, the run has helped raise awareness and funds for medical challenges such as obstetric fistula and now ending AIDS/HIV, one of the deadliest pandemics of our time. Over 80 million people have been infected with HIV globally, and Uganda remains one of the most affected countries.
The Run begins at Twekobe House in Lubiri, the Kabaka’s official residence, and brings together individuals, communities, and institutions under a shared goal: a healthier Uganda. This year, Airtel Uganda sponsored the event for the 12th consecutive time, with over 12,000 participants joining the cause.
The Kabaka: A UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador
His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the King of Buganda, turned 70 this year. But his most celebrated achievement may not be his age, but his relentless dedication to public health.
As the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Ending AIDS among Men in East and Southern Africa, the Kabaka has used his platform to mobilise communities, especially men, in the battle against AIDS/HIV. The Buganda Kingdom continues to lead AIDS/HIV awareness campaigns across various platforms, including:
- Radio and TV stations
- Sports events
- Community dialogues
- School, church, and mosque outreach (edutainment)
- Social media engagement
His advocacy pushes against stigma and ignorance, urging men to take responsibility—not just for themselves but for the young women and girls who suffer disproportionately from the epidemic.
IUEA’s Role in the Run
At IUEA, we believe in action. Our participation in the Kabaka Birthday Run is part of a broader goal to promote healthy, fulfilled lives. We didn’t just run; we ran with purpose, pride, and a passion to see change.
Our team included both staff and students:
- Madam Naomi Kemboi – Head of Marketing
- Esther Mugisa – Marketing Personnel
- Nabacwa Charlotte – Call Centre Personnel
- Doreen Nabisaso – Call Centre Personnel
- Gerald Ssali – Marketing Personnel
- Henry Kirungi – Architecture Student
- Dickson Musiimenta – Students’ Guild Minister of Sports
- Najibah Sanusi Suleiman – Content Creator
- Kakunda Nina (aka Nina Roz) – IUEA Student and Celebrity
- Habiba Ngugi – IUEA Student Coordinator
- Ninsiima Mackline – IUEA Student
- Kiberu Jonathan – IUEA Student
In addition to physical participation, IUEA amplified the campaign through radio ads and social media, helping to extend the reach of this vital message.
How IUEA Prioritises Health and Wellness
At IUEA, our commitment to health extends far beyond a single event. We offer continuous health support on campus, including:
- On-site health services and nearby hospitals
- A standby ambulance for emergencies
- Regular wellness announcements and initiatives
- Campaigns that encourage students and staff to take health seriously
We believe education should empower not just minds but also bodies and communities. A healthy student is a thriving student, and we consider it our duty to support every learner’s physical well-being. For additional tips on improving your physical health, read on how you can include exercise in your daily routine.
Understanding AIDS/HIV: What You Need to Know
Ending AIDS/HIV starts with awareness. Here are a few essential facts:
- Disease: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Cause: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Impact: Weakens the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other diseases
- Transmission: The exchange of various bodily fluids
- Global Stats in 2023:
- 39 million people living with HIV
- Over 1 million new infections
- 630,000+ deaths in the year
AIDS Prevention Tips:
- Get tested regularly
- Use protection during sexual activity
- Avoid sharing needles or sharp instruments
- Educate yourself using trusted sources like CDC, WHO, and UNAIDS
Join Us in Ending AIDS/HIV
The AIDS/HIV epidemic doesn’t discriminate. While some communities are more vulnerable, we are all at risk if we do nothing. Every act of awareness, prevention, and support counts—just as every step in the Kabaka Birthday Run did.
We at IUEA invite you to stand with us, the Kabaka, and the countless others who are fighting to end AIDS/HIV by 2030. Support awareness campaigns. Get tested. Talk to your loved ones. Advocate for healthier communities.
