Kololo Independence Grounds had hundreds of Ugandans gathered for the 51st Birthday Run, commemorating General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The event’s Guest of Honour, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the Land Forces, officially launched the run on Sunday, urging citizens to take climate action more seriously.
Before flagging off participants for the 10km race, Muhanga expressed gratitude to supporters of Muhoozi and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). He shared that although Gen. Muhoozi had intended to attend and officiate the start of the race, pressing matters required his attention.
“Gen. Muhoozi had urgent responsibilities to attend to and couldn’t be with us today. Nonetheless, thank you all for showing up to mark his 51st birthday through this run,” Muhanga said.
The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, delivered a heartfelt address, encapsulating the central message of the day.
Held under the theme “Run for Greening Uganda: An MK Climate Change Mitigation Plan,” the event attracted prominent government officials, environmental champions, and everyday citizens united by a common mission to green Uganda and address climate change.
“This theme speaks strongly to our values,” Buzeki stated. “We are honored that this greening initiative kicks off right here in Kampala. Everyone must contribute to transforming our city into a model eco-friendly capital.”
She noted that urban areas, especially Kampala, are grappling with major environmental concerns such as diminishing green zones, pollution, and climate threats like floods and extreme heat.
“We are championing a Green Kampala,” she emphasized. “This includes planting trees, reviving public parks, safeguarding open spaces, and halting the destruction of our natural defenses.”
Buzeki called on residents to take initiative. “Plant a tree at home. Guard the greenery in your neighborhood. In the city, oppose the encroachment on natural spaces. Creating green infrastructure is costly, but its destruction can happen in a blink,” she cautioned.
Her remarks tied into KCCA’s broader mission for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient city an ambition aligned with Gen. Muhoozi’s five-year climate action blueprint.
The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, praised the initiative and encouraged the public to back projects that enhance and protect the capital. “Love Kampala. Keep it tidy,” she appealed.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, Minister Persis Namuganza, and other dignitaries who reiterated the importance of environmental protection and youth participation.
Bob Kakuru, Chairperson of the Muhoozi 51st Birthday Run Organizing Committee, explained that Gen. Muhoozi’s focus on climate change for his birthday celebration was a deliberate choice.
“He aims to create a legacy of environmental stewardship. This isn’t just a birthday run it marks the beginning of a countrywide pledge to heal and protect our environment.”
Environmentalist Isagara Baluku emphasized community involvement, saying, “The movement to green Uganda begins at the grassroots. Let’s plant trees, clean up our surroundings, and safeguard our wetlands.”
The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of Gen. Muhoozi’s birthday.
