The event was officiated by the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi as the Chief Guest, the Deputy Mayor – Hoima City, among many other guests and dignitaries.

While speaking at the event, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga noted that Omukama Cwa II Kabalega holds a special place in the history of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, and the celebration of 100 Years of his legacy is an opportunity to reflect on the good he made towards the society in development of the Kingdom, but also at national level in his contribution to the fight against colonialism. He called on all stakeholders to join in and support the preparations, and promised the Kingdom’s commitment to a successful  commemoration.

In the message of the City Mayor; His Lordship Brian Kaboyo delivered by his deputy Her Lordship Sylvia Nalumaga, the Mayor expressed readiness of the City to host the event, and towards supporting the entire programme of celebrating the legacy of Omukama Kabalega as the host city that holds alot of history about Omukama Kabalega.

The Executive Director of Kabalaga Foundation, Prince Dr. James Isagara Kisoro in his message thanked the Kingdom Prime Minister and all partners for finding it fit to celebrate the legacy of Omukama Kabalega, and pledged on behalf of the Foundation to mobilise all potential partners in mobilising for the run, among other organised events and projects under the 100 years of Omukama Kabalega’s legacy celebrations..

He called on the people of Bunyoro-Kitara, the entire nation at large, and international partners to join in the event as a celebration of the legacy of Omukama Cwa II Kabalega and noted that the are other various activities organised as part of the planned event, with these to include; a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kabalega Square in Hoima City, Kick-starting of a tree planting campaign in Kikuube District, a blood donation drive, and a tour of Omukama Kabalega Historical landmarks in and around Bunyoro for interested participants.

He also noted that Kabalega Independence Run would subsequently be held as an annual event to mobilise resources for various social causes aligned to the organisation’s mandate in harnessing positive social, cultural, and economic transformation of society.

This year’s inaugural Kabalega Independence Run is organised under the theme: “Run to celebrate a hero’s legacy, run to educate a leader of tomorrow..” and aims to raise funds towards the establishment of Kabalega Education Fund, a facility envisioned to support education services development in the areas of the Foundation’s operations.

Compiled by: KF Communication office