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Speaker Anita Among spearheaded a delegation from Parliament to Bulange, Mengo on April 2, 2024, in support of the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run. Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and fellow Members of Parliament, Among’s visit aimed to bolster efforts for the annual run scheduled for April 7, 2024.
This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run centers on the theme “Men are stars in the fight against HIV/AIDS to save the girl child,” underscoring the crucial role men play in combating the epidemic. The delegation, which also included Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Hon. Lillian Aber, received a warm welcome from Buganda Kingdom’s Katikkiro (Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, upon their arrival at Bulange.
Mayiga hailed Speaker Among’s visit as historic, marking a pivotal moment in fostering closer collaboration between the Kingdom and Parliament. He emphasized the significance of this partnership, particularly in advancing initiatives aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS nationwide, a cause that has been championed through the Kabaka Birthday Run for the past five years.
Calling on Parliament to prioritize the health sector in legislative agendas, Mayiga emphasized the importance of widespread access to well-equipped hospitals, essential medicines, and fair compensation for healthcare workers. He also urged politicians to strike a balance between political engagements and addressing critical social needs within their constituencies.
Speaker Among expressed admiration for the Kabaka of Buganda, His Royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for his unwavering commitment to addressing health challenges, particularly HIV/AIDS. She pledged Parliament’s continued support for the Kingdom’s humanitarian endeavors and lauded Buganda’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.
In a tangible display of support, Speaker Among announced a contribution of Shs50 million from Parliament to bolster the Kabaka Birthday Run’s efforts. Additionally, the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus purchased kits for 529 MPs, amounting to Shs10,580,000, further underscoring their commitment to the cause.
The visit to Bulange signifies the ongoing collaboration between Buganda Kingdom and various stakeholders, including Parliament, in organizing the annual Kabaka Birthday Run. For over a decade, proceeds from this event have been dedicated to various health-related causes, ranging from fistula and sickle cell disease to the current focus on HIV/AIDS eradication.
Source: The Ankole Times