HUNDREDS JOIN GEN MUHOOZI BIRTHDAY RUN TO GREEN KAMPALA

Kololo Independence Grounds was a sea of energy and color as hundreds of Ugandans turned up for the 51st birthday run in celebration of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

The Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, officially flagged off the run, on Sunday encouraging Ugandans to take climate action seriously.

Speaking before the flagging off of the runners for the 10km race, Muhanga commended the supporters Muhoozi and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), noting that Muhoozi wanted to come and flag off the race himself, but due to urgent issues that were brought to his desk, he couldn't make it

"Gen. Muhoozi had some urgent issues that came his way, and he couldn't join us for the run. Thank you for coming to participate in the 51st birthday run of Gen. Muhoozi," Muhanga said.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executive director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, passionately expressed the core message of the day.

Held under the theme “Run for Greening Uganda: An MK Climate Change Mitigation Plan,” the event drew in top government officials, environmental activists, and ordinary citizens, all united by a shared goal, to green Uganda and combat climate change.

Speaking at the event the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, passionately articulated the core message of the day.

“This theme resonates deeply with us,” she said. “We are proud that this greening campaign begins here in Kampala. We must all take part in transforming our city into a model green capital.”

Buzeki emphasized that urban centers, particularly Kampala, face immense environmental challenges including shrinking green spaces, pollution, and climate-related risks like floods and heatwaves.

“We are promoting a Green Kampala,” she continued. “It starts with tree planting, restoring our parks, preserving open spaces, and stopping the destruction of our natural buffers.”

She called upon every resident to take responsibility. “At home, plant a tree. In your community, protect the greenery. In your city, say no to encroaching on green spaces. It is expensive to create and maintain green infrastructure, yet it's so easy to destroy it,” Buzeki warned.

Her remarks highlighted KCCA’s broader vision for a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient city, a vision that aligns with Gen Muhoozi’s five-year climate mitigation agenda.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, lauded the initiative and urged the public to support efforts that beautify and protect the capital. “Love Kampala, keep it clean,” she urged.

Also present were Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang, Minister Persis Namuganza, and other dignitaries who echoed the urgent need for environmental conservation and youth involvement.

Bob Kakuru, Chairperson of the Muhoozi 51st Birthday run Organizing Committee, revealed that Gen Muhoozi’s decision to focus his birthday celebration on climate change was deliberate.

“He wants to leave a legacy of action. This is not just a run, it’s the start of a national commitment to reverse environmental degradation.”

Environmental advocate Isagara Baluku called for grassroots engagement, saying, “The power to green Uganda lies with every household. Let’s plant trees, clean our neighborhoods, and preserve our wetlands.”

The run concluded with a cutting of the cake to celebrate the birthday.