Rain or shine, Kabaka run spurs HIV testing

Thousands of Ugandans ran through the heavy morning rain for the Kabaka Birthday Run. They filled the wet streets of Kampala wearing bright red Airtel shirts. Everyone came together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The event celebrated Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II's 70th birthday. This ranks as one of the largest health events held yearly in the country.

Staff from Hima Cement joined in large numbers to show their support. They helped strengthen the national goal to beat AIDS by 2030. Philemon Mubiru leads Innovation and Marketing at Hima Cement. He talked about how his company wants healthy communities. Their participation goes beyond just meeting business duties.

The run does more than just tell people about HIV. It creates healthy habits through physical activity. Many men learn about early HIV testing at these events. This helps protect young women and girls who face higher risks. Everyone learns health matters when they join such community activities.

Mathias Mutebi sells goods as his job and attends every Kabaka run. He loves supporting worthwhile causes through these events and benefits from the fitness aspects as well. Runners chose from three distances—5km, 10km, or 21km. Everyone focused on HIV testing, early treatment, and male involvement in prevention efforts.

Uganda still struggles with HIV, as 1.4 million people have the virus. The country shows a 5.1% rate among its population. Even with rain pouring down, runners stayed happy and hopeful. They shared personal stories of staying strong during hard times. Many talked about feeling united with others around them.

Claire Atugonza ran that day and praised how many people braved the weather. She thanked companies like Hima Cement, Airtel Uganda, and the Bank of Uganda for helping. She felt that everyone made a powerful statement by running together. The rain failed to stop anyone from showing they cared. All runners proved their commitment to fighting HIV together.

Buganda Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga recently discussed what causes HIV to spread. He called for men to protect women and girls better. He mentioned how prostitution has spread HIV for many years. Women often avoid testing when they depend on men for money. This pattern keeps making the problem worse across communities.

Men sometimes offer cars, money, and gifts to lure women into risky relationships. These actions help spread the disease faster throughout society. The Prime Minister wants men to break these harmful patterns completely. He especially wants older men to keep young girls safe from harm. When they protect these girls, they also indirectly protect their daughters.
 

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