Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS by supporting the 13th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, set for April 12.
This year’s run, themed “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,” calls on men to take a leading role in preventing new HIV infections and promoting health awareness.
The Bank’s Executive Director Claver Sserumaga said the institution is honoured to join celebrations marking the 71st birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II while contributing to a cause aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Sserumaga said the bank’s mission aligns with that of the Buganda Kingdom in transforming lives and creating opportunities, noting that both institutions share the goal of seeing HIV/AIDS eliminated.
As part of its contribution, Equity Bank has donated and purchased 140 running kits. Sserumaga also pledged personal participation in the 21-kilometre
The Kabaka Birthday Run has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from about 1,000 participants to more than 130,000 runners this year. Funds raised from the event support HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives across Uganda.
According to UNAIDS, Uganda has made notable progress in the fight against HIV. National prevalence among adults aged 15–49 has dropped from 7.3% in 2010 to 4.9% in 2024, while new infections have declined by 61%. AIDS-related deaths have also reduced significantly, and over 1.3 million Ugandans are now accessing antiretroviral treatment.
The run has played a key role in promoting HIV testing, safe male circumcision, condom use, and adherence to treatment—contributing to the country’s progress towards global targets of ending the epidemic.
HIV prevalence in Uganda is approximately 6.1% to 5,8% among adults with about 1.4 million people living with HIV. The prevalence is higher among women (roughly 7.2%) compared to men (4.3%). While new infections have decreased, the epidemic remains a significant challenge, particularly among young women and in urban areas
