By Josepha Jabo
The Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre, Alan Kasujja, announced the 52nd Birthday Run of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to be held two days after his birthday on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds from 6am-12pm.
Addressing journalists and well-wishers at a press conference held at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Kasujja revealed that the CDF will be the Chief Runner at the event. “We are here this morning to support the 52nd birthday run that honours the birthday of the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This is a civic engagement, which reflects the relationship the general has with the people. Rather than celebrating on his own, he has decided to give back to the community, hence this event. It’s a non-partisan event. We are announcing a celebration worthy of a servant leader. The theme, this year, is ‘Run for Charity, Run for Hope’ and 52 years is 52 reasons to run,” he said.
Kasujja revealed that the CDF will be the Chief Runner. “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. I am going to try to run, even though you can see running is not my biggest strength, but we shall see what happens on that day,” he promised.
For all those who are interested in sponsoring this event, Kasujja said financial contributions towards the birthday run can be made to MTN MoMo 55445766, Airtel 4405201. “In moments like these, there are people who try to take advantage. There are fraudsters, who emerge from all corners and say they are fundraising for this event. That should not happen this time. If you want to make a financial contribution towards this cause, your contribution is welcome and it should go to those two codes,” he explained.
Kasujja invited all Ugandans to participate in the event. “This birthday belongs to every Ugandan. We invite all of you, wherever you are, to come and take part. I encourage every Ugandan, to show up in large numbers. Ugandans are strongest when we run together; ‘One Uganda, One Finish Line!’”
Spokesperson of the UPDF, Colonel Chris Magezi, appealed to young people to attend the birthday run. “The MK Birthday Run, which has turned into an annual event, is for a good cause. We appeal to young people in Kampala and neighbouring areas to come and participate in this run. This event is gaining traction every year. The general, like others in his position, could have chosen to celebrate his birthday privately, but the general is the rallying point for millions of young Ugandans and it is something he has embraced over time. That is why the MK birthday run is becoming an exciting annual event. We want to continue to use it, to engage the young people for community causes,” he said.
Police Spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, assured the general public of security during the event. “The birthday run, of our CDF, is a very noble cause. In due course, we shall give you a comprehensive picture of our entire route, but the generic statement that I can make now is that Uganda Police Force shall control traffic along the routes and roads that will be affected. We will certainly have access control measures. Whoever intends to come to Kololo, we shall guarantee you security. We shall deploy along the routes, at venues and at any place security assessment deems necessary to be deployed,” he concluded.
Each running kit costs UGX 20,000. The kits are available now at Kololo Independence Grounds. The proceeds that will come from the purchase of these kits will go towards orphans. The general will support orphans with the proceeds and financial contributions.
The writer works for Uganda Media Centre
