In a show of solidarity with the Buganda Kingdom's initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, the August House, Parliament has purchased kits valued at Shs 50 million for the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run, scheduled for this Sunday April 7.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker Annet Anita Among led a formidable delegation from Parliament to Mengo to present the donation, signaling a significant collaboration between the government institution and the cultural kingdom.
The delegation, which included Deputy Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, former leader of the opposition, the Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, and Butambala MP Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, was warmly welcomed by the Buganda Katikkiro, Owekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga.
Among, radiantly adorned in a light blue flowered gomesi, received an extended embrace from Mayiga, reflecting the amicable atmosphere surrounding the occasion. Her male counterparts were attired in Kanzus, the traditional dress for Baganda men, adding a touch of cultural significance to the event.
The presence of Mpuuga and Muwanga, who were notably absent from the National Unity Platform (NUP) delegation that visited Mengo last week and contributed Shs 21 million for the same cause, underscored the bipartisan support for the Kabaka Birthday Run.
For Among and Mpuuga, the event provided a respite from recent controversies surrounding their roles in Parliament. Both leaders have faced scrutiny over allegations of misusing public funds, making their participation in the charitable initiative a welcomed distraction.
In her address, Speaker Among emphasized Parliament's commitment to the theme of the run, which focuses on empowering men to protect the girl child against HIV/AIDS. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts in combating the epidemic, echoing the objectives outlined by the United Nations AIDS program and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"We are cognizant of the effect of HIV/AIDS on our population and we welcome the effort of the Buganda Kingdom in complementing Government’s effort in combating HIV/AIDS. This will certainly contribute to the UNAIDS target of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have a common cross-cutting health theme," remarked Among.
Encouraging public participation in the run, Anita Among urged individuals to register and support the noble cause, emphasizing the role of collective action in addressing pressing health challenges.
The collaborative effort between Parliament and the Buganda Kingdom not only highlights the importance of community engagement in combating HIV/AIDS but also demonstrates the power of unity in advancing public health initiatives.
