Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called upon men to take a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He made the call during the Kabaka’s Birthday Run 2025, held at Bulange-Mengo, where hundreds of participants gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday.
The annual run, which continues to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, comes at a critical time for Uganda. According to the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), at least 38,000 people contract HIV annually, with 22,000 of these cases occurring among women—particularly adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24.
This rising trend in infections poses a significant challenge to the government’s 2025 target of reducing new infections to 18,000 per year.
In January 2025, the United States government announced a 90-day suspension of all foreign assistance, including funding under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The U.S. has long been a key partner in Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, maternal and child health issues, and family planning. Over 1.2 million Ugandans currently receive anti-retroviral treatment through U.S.-funded programs.
Although an emergency humanitarian waiver has allowed continued access to HIV treatment, many patients remain uncertain about their future care, fearing disruptions to life-saving medication and essential health services.
In a message delivered by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, the Kabaka praised participants for showing up in large numbers and standing in solidarity with the fight against HIV.
“I call upon men to take the lead in the fight against HIV and to advocate for greater protection of girls in our communities,” he said.
The Kabaka was accompanied by Nalinya Lubuga Agnes Nabaloga, Prince (Omulangira) David Wassajja, Prince Crispin Jjuunju Kiweewa, and Prince Richard Ssemakokiro, among others.
He further urged the Baganda to work hard to reclaim and restore Buganda’s former glory.
