By Mike Rwothomio

The red carpet is being rolled out as organizers in Zombo District intensify preparations for this weekend’s highly anticipated MK Birthday Run, a mega charity event set to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

This year’s edition, themed “Run for Charity, Run for Hope”, promises to be one of the biggest yet, with the national grand finale scheduled for Sunday, 26 April 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.

In Zombo, the action kicks off at Kakira Playground in Paidha Town Council, where runners of all ages will gather for a 2:00 PM sharp start.

Mr. Henry Uwinji, Chairperson of the Zombo District Central Organizing Committee, hyped up the district’s readiness in an exclusive interview, calling on both the youth and elders to turn up in massive numbers.

“All is set! We are fully prepared. The run starts exactly at 2:00 PM at Kakira Playground,” Uwinji said. “The first 50 participants to arrive will walk away with free MK Birthday Run T-shirts.”

However, Uwinji issued a stern warning: “We are cautioning those who receive the T-shirts against misusing them for criminal activities such as robbery or fights. Let’s keep this celebration clean and positive.”

Adding to the excitement, James Okethwengu, Vice Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee, confirmed that detailed routes have been mapped out and will be strictly guided by traffic police officers on the day to ensure smooth flow and maximum safety.

The MK Birthday Run has evolved from a simple celebration into a major annual entertainment and community event , drawing huge crowds and national attention.

Speaking to journalists early this week , Mr. Allan Kasuja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, described the event as an exciting platform for youth engagement.

“The MK Birthday Run is becoming a thrilling annual highlight. We are using it to rally young people around meaningful community causes,” Kasuja said. “Gen. Muhoozi has become a true rallying point for millions of young Ugandans, and he has fully embraced this role.”

Kasuja noted that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba himself will serve as the Chief Runner, hitting the road side-by-side with ordinary Ugandans.

UPDF Spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, urged young people in Kampala and surrounding areas to join the movement. “This is for a good cause. The General could easily celebrate privately, but he has chosen to use his birthday to inspire and engage the youth in nation-building.”

Meanwhile Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke assured the public of tight security, promising a comprehensive security brief on the routes in due course.

In a major show of support, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among donated running kits worth Ugx 100 million to students of Bukedea Comprehensive School to enable their full participation.

At the national level, the ruling NRM Secretariat has injected Shs 30 million in running kits, while NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong personally contributed Shs 10 million. Todwong described Gen. Muhoozi as “a strong role model whose leadership continues to inspire the youth” and called on all NRM members and well-wishers to turn up in large numbers, confirming the party will field a high-level delegation.

Organizers revealed that proceeds from the MK Birthday Run will support baby homes and vulnerable children across Uganda, adding a powerful charitable angle to the glamorous celebration.

Back in Zombo, local organizers are pulling out all the stops to make the district edition vibrant and unforgettable.

Mr.Henry Uwinji (left) chairperson central organizing committee for MK Birthday run for Zombo with a colleague ahead of the event.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub