The 52nd birthday run for Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba will take place on April 26 at Kololo Independence Grounds, with organisers positioning the event as a charity drive to support vulnerable children.
The Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Alan Kasujja, announced the run during a press briefing in Kampala on April 14. He said the event will start at 6am and end at midday, two days after Gen. Kainerugaba’s birthday.
Kasujja confirmed that the CDF will lead from the front. “The general himself will be the Chief Runner. We are looking forward to having him running side by side with fellow Ugandans on the road,” he said.
He described the run as a public engagement activity that reflects the general’s connection with citizens. “Rather than celebrating on his own, he has decided to give back to the community,” Kasujja said. “It’s a non-partisan event. We are announcing a celebration worthy of a servant leader.”
The event will run under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope,” with proceeds directed towards supporting orphans. Organisers have set the cost of a running kit at UGX 20,000, with sales already underway at Kololo.
Kasujja called on Ugandans across the country to participate. “This birthday belongs to every Ugandan. We invite all of you, wherever you are, to come and take part,” he said. “Ugandans are strongest when we run together; ‘One Uganda, One Finish Line!’”
He also cautioned the public against fraud. “There are fraudsters who emerge from all corners and say they are fundraising for this event. That should not happen this time,” he said, urging contributors to use officially provided mobile money channels.
The spokesperson of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Colonel Chris Magezi, appealed to young people to turn up in large numbers.
“The MK Birthday Run, which has turned into an annual event, is for a good cause,” he said. “The general is the rallying point for millions of young Ugandans, and this is something he has embraced over time.”
Colonel Magezi said the event continues to grow each year and serves as a platform to mobilise youth for community causes.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke assured participants of security and traffic management.
“Uganda Police Force shall control traffic along the routes and roads that will be affected,” he said. “Whoever intends to come to Kololo, we shall guarantee you security.”
He added that officers will deploy along all routes to ensure public safety throughout the event.
Organisers say the run will combine celebration with social impact, as thousands gather to mark Gen. Kainerugaba’s birthday while raising funds for orphans.