Hundreds join Muhoozi Birthday Run to green Kampala

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

Muhoozi who is also the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), was represented by Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, who officially flagged off the run, encouraging Ugandans to take climate action seriously.

Particpants warming up as they prepare to run. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

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

Speaking before the flagging off of the runners for the 10km race, Muhanga commended the supporters of 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.

Buzeki noted that urban centres, particularly Kampala, face enormous environmental challenges, including shrinking green spaces, pollution, and climate-related risks like floods and heatwaves.

“We are promoting a Green Kampala. This starts with tree planting, restoring our parks, preserving open spaces, and stopping the destruction of our natural buffers,” Buzeki said, adding that it is everyone’s responsibility to see that we green out our environment.

 “While 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,” Buzeki warned.

She noted that the KCCA’s broader vision for a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient city is a vision that aligns with Gen. Muhoozi’s climate mitigation agenda.

Michael Katungi, the director of external affairs at PLU, noted that Ugandans embarked on the restoration of the environment by planting trees, adding that the best time for planting a tree was yesterday.

“Every Ugandan should plant a tree, and the best time to have planted a tree was yesterday,” Katungi said.

Second Left is Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, Bridg Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Balaam Barugahara, the state minister for youth and children affairs, Frank Gashumba and others running during the 51st birthday run of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

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

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More pictures from the 51st General MK Birthday Run