The Kampala metropolitan police leadership have urged the general public especially the participants of the much anticipated Kabaka birthday run, to adhere to the set guidelines by the police force to ensure a peaceful and successful event. This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run will be focusing on the fight against HIV/AIDS and is slated for 7th of April 2024 at Lubiri Palace grounds.
According to the deputy spokesperson for Kampala metropolitan police ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the run, featuring distances of 21, 10, and 5 kilometers, will traverse various areas in the city center and its outskirts, as outlined by traffic authorities, stressing that the safety of all participants remains their top priority.
The birthday run is expected to habour over 100,000 people, Oweyesigyire disclosed that their security deployments shall include an access control team led by counter-terrorism experts at all entry and exit points of the Lubiri Palace, as well as canine units, overt and covert police details, UPDF personnel, and joint intelligence officers.
“Additionally, we have stationed officers and 25 ambulances along the designated routes to promptly respond to any emergencies.”Luke said
He however urged all the participants including the surrounding or affected communities to abide with the set rules and regulations by the police force and organisers to ensure a successful birthday run.
“It’s imperative to emphasize that this event is a cultural celebration for the Kingdom, and we discourage any attempts at politicization.” Said the KMP deputy spokesperson
He also urged participants to travel light to avoid losing their property, adding that their team shall designate a tent to handle any child related issues throughout the entire event.
“In anticipation of any child-related concerns, a tent for the Child and Family Police Unit will be erected to address reports of missing or found children. However, we urge parents, if possible, not to bring children to the run.” Luke said
In addition Luke urged the public to remain very vigilant of their surroundings, belongings, and children, and report any suspicious activities or individuals, thus helping them thwart any potential security threats.
Godwin Arinaitwe the KMP traffic commander disclosed that in order to have a smooth and safe event, some roads will be closed to motorists to enable the over 110.000 runners to participate successfully.
He forexample said, there will be four major road cut offs around Mengo and Lubiri affecting roads such as Xing Xing road junction, Nalongo road junction, Mengo hill road, Mwanga II road and Ring road.
“We appeal to the public that Ring road will be out of bounds. We don’t expect any motorists on this road. Similarly to Kabaka Njagala road right away from Lubiri to Bulange,” said Arinaitwe
Meanwhile, the Buganda youth and sports minister Robert Serwanga Ssalongo disclosed that all participants will be expected to use their current birthday run kit for 2024 as their entry ticket into the Lubiri Palace grounds.
“We shall be in Lubiri and we shall start with a simple warm up exercise, i therefore appeal to you because it’s good for you to exercise before you go into the main race, so be there in time for the exercise before we flag-off.” Said Godwin
He also disclosed that the opportunity provided by the Kabaka to have fun, requires that nobody should come to intimidate others as you run, hence urging for maximum discipline from all the participants.
“the indisciplined will be taken away, so please don’t be the culprit and be taken away, just come and enjoy as free as possible. Let us put aside all things that could intimidate others interms of politics, religion, tribe or anything.” Said the Buganda youth and sports minister
