Lubiri Mengo came alive on Sunday, April 12, as thousands of runners from across the country turned up to take part in the 13th edition of the annual Kabaka Birthday Run.
The event kicked off in a lively atmosphere, with a chilly morning that provided ideal conditions for runners. It attracted a diverse mix of participants, including politicians, business leaders, corporates, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the wider community.
The run was flagged off by Kabaka- Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was flanked by members of the Royal Family, the Katikkiro- Charles Peter Mayiga, and other Kingdom officials.
This year’s edition was particularly special, as it happened on the actual eve of Kabaka's 71st birthday.
Held under the theme ‘Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030,’ just like the previous six editions, this year’s run re-emphasized the critical role men play in supporting health initiatives, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and in safeguarding the wellbeing of the girl child.
In his message, delivered by the Katikkiro, the Kabaka stated that the spread of HIV/AIDS can be significantly reduced if individuals remain vigilant, responsible, and intentional in adopting preventive measures. Maaso Moogi also commended participants for their continued support towards the cause, and for standing in solidarity with efforts aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS.
I&M Bank Uganda, the official bank partner of the annual run, showed up in strong numbers, in a demonstration of its commitment to supporting the cause.
I&M Bank Chief Executive Officer- Robin Bairstow, reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to supporting impactful community initiatives, especially those geared towards building healthier and more resilient communities.
“We have seen the impact the Kabaka Birthday Run has had over the years in raising awareness and mobilising communities around the fight against HIV/AIDs. Initiatives like this play a vital role in changing mindsets and encouraging collective responsibility. I wish to applaud Buganda Kingdom for spearheading initiatives that focus on the wellbeing of communities. We are proud to partner with such noble causes that continue to transform lives,” he said.
Unlike many competitive races, the Kabaka Birthday Run places less emphasis on elite performance, and instead focuses on community engagement and charity. It brings together people from all walks of life to support meaningful causes and drive social impact.
I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications- Annette Nakiyaga re-emphasized the bank's commitment to supporting people-centred initiatives through its corporate social responsibility agenda.
“We leverage our four CSR pillars- enabling giving, economic empowerment, education and skills development, and environmental conservation, to support the communities around us. The Kabaka Birthday Run is a key highlight in our activity calendar because of its impact. Over the years, participation has continued to grow, and that means increased awareness and engagement around the fight against HIV/AIDS,” she said.
The event extended beyond Mengo, with runners donning official race kits seen engaging in different activities in neighbourhoods outside the main venue. The run was also held simultaneously at various county headquarters across the country, as well as among Ugandan communities in the diaspora, reflecting its widespread appeal and influence.
The run that started at Lubiri- in Mengo, followed routes along Kabaka Anjagala, Balintuma Road, Hoima Road, Bombo Road, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road, Kira Road, John Babiha Avenue, and other major roads before looping back to finish at the palace.
The event was capped off with entertainment from local acts, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
The three organizations entered into an agreement to develop and grow the Naguru Social Sports School, as well as promote holistic development, social inclusion, and ethical values through sport.
Gonzalez brought with him not just the prestige of one of the world’s most successful football clubs, but also the club’s globally respected educational model and its 7 core values.
The training course, which was both theoretical and practical, covered areas including the Real Madrid Foundation’s educational model, the club’s seven core values, the process for value inclusion in sport, training contents, methodology, and task designs. Coaches were the primary participants in the training, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the Foundation’s approach. As part of the practical sessions, the coaches also conducted drills with the children involved in the project, all under the guidance of Coach Fernández.
I&M Bank CEO- Robin Bairstow, who attended the children’s final training session, highlighted that the Real Madrid coach’s visit and the training program marked a significant milestone in the bank’s broader mission to uplift communities through strategic and sustainable partnerships.
“Sport is a powerful tool for transformation, and this partnership is proof of that,” said Bairstow. “Having a Real Madrid coach visit Uganda is not just an honour, it’s a unique opportunity for our young people to learn from the best. We are optimistic that the training will help shape the future for young players, as well as build stronger communities- grounded in values, teamwork, and inclusion,” he added.
The use of sport as a platform for education, inclusion, and personal development offers young people practical skills, positive values, and renewed hope for a better future, while also creating safe spaces to address important issues such as menstrual hygiene.
Annette Nakayiga, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, said that the Real Madrid coach’s visit not only inspires the next generation, but also provides them with valuable lessons and motivation.
“Real Madrid is a household name- the world over, and having a coach from such a big club come down here is a huge motivation for the youth and all of us as a nation,” Nakayiga said, adding that; “Developments like this make us proud, for they reaffirm our position as a people-centred bank.”
Nakato Angela, the Projects Officer at Xcalibur Foundation, highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on the host community, noting a significant rise in school attendance at Naguru Katali Primary School, where the project is currently based.
“So far, we have 100 children in the project. Recently, we had 80,” she said, pointing to the growing interest among learners and parents alike. She attributed this surge to the engaging and inclusive nature of the program, which blends sports with life skills, education, and mentorship.
Nakato also revealed that the Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, is working on plans to roll out the initiative to other parts of the country to reach even more children and communities in need of such transformative opportunities.
The Naguru Social Sports School, established in 2021 by the Xcalibur Foundation, is a community-driven initiative located in the Naguru settlement of Kampala. The academy leverages football as a tool for social development, aiming to foster holistic growth among children and the youth in the area.
The Real Madrid Foundation ensures the proper application of its methodology through training and monitoring of coaches, with current training focusing on enhancing knowledge of the Foundation's educational models and core values. 
Since 2022, Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation have collaborated at the Naguru Social Sports School, a project that has impacted over 280 participants, and positively affected more than 700 families and community members.
With the support, guidance, and daily efforts of a local partner and key stakeholder- Youth Sport Uganda, the project—now in its third cycle—has achieved remarkable results. This has been achieved through sports activities, workshops, home visits, and a menstrual hygiene programme, that has supported girls' participation in sports, reduced incidences of depression and anxiety among children, improved interpersonal relationships, and improved menstrual hygiene awareness, among other positive outcomes.
Javier Lezcano, the Executive Director of Fundación Xcalibur, remarks: "At the Foundation, we are enthusiastic and motivated to continue the mission we have been carrying out in Uganda through this expansion. Having such influential partners in the sporting and financial sectors, with a strong social and human vision, is an honour and can serve as an example for other organisations to take a step to contribute and support international development cooperation”.
I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to create long-term, sustainable change in underserved communities.
“As a people-centred bank, we’re committed to making a real difference in the communities around us. This partnership is about supporting the next generation and providing opportunities for growth, education, and inclusion for all," Bairstow added.
Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, highlighted that this collaboration goes beyond traditional support, as it aims to address key community needs, and to uplift the next generation.“By partnering with Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation, we’re playing our part in giving children the chance to grow through education, sports, and community programmes that help them thrive,” Nakiyaga said.Julio González Ronco, adds that this new alliance “allow us to reach even more children in need, offering them a safe space where they can enjoy sports while learning essential values thar shapes their future.”
For more information on the programme, please visit: 
