Kampala – In a show of unity and grassroots mobilization, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat Donated Shs30 million in assorted kits to the upcoming 52nd Birthday Run organized in honour of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces.
The contribution, which includes branded running kits, T-shirts, water bottles, medals, and refreshments, is intended to boost participation, especially among youth and women, and turn the annual event into a powerful platform for fostering national cohesion.
Speaking at the NRM Secretariat headquarters, the party’s Deputy Secretary General in charge of Mobilisation, Hon. Rosemary Najjemba, said the gesture reflects the NRM’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fitness, patriotism, and intergenerational leadership.
The NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who personally contributed Shs10 million to the initiative, said on Wednesday during a visit to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretariat. He congratulated the organizers and participants, noting that the run plays a significant role in uniting especially the youth around patriotism, community service and national values.
Todwong also commended Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, describing him as a strong role model whose leadership continues to inspire many young people across the country. He said the run, which coincides with Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday, reflects maturity, experience and a continued commitment to national service and social transformation.
He called on all NRM members, supporters and well-wishers to turn up in large numbers for the run scheduled this Sunday, emphasizing that the ruling party would officially participate in the event with a delegation of senior leaders.
Hours later, the NRM National Treasurer Amb. Barbara Nekesa led a delegation from the party secretariat to the PLU headquarters, accompanied by top party officials.
Nekesa praised the Patriotic League of Uganda for its role in promoting patriotism, democracy, good governance and socio-economic transformation, noting that its partnership with the NRM has been instrumental in advancing national development goals.
She also expressed appreciation to PLU for its support during the recent general elections, which she said contributed to the NRM’s strong performance.
Nekesa reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to working closely with PLU, describing the collaboration as key to transforming Uganda. She urged both NRM and PLU supporters to participate in the birthday run not only as a celebration, but also as a contribution to humanitarian causes.
“General Muhoozi’s birthday run has grown into more than just a sporting event; it has become a national movement that brings Ugandans together across regions, tribes, and ages,” Najjemba said. “The Secretariat is proud to partner with the organisers to ensure that thousands more citizens can participate without barriers. This is about building a healthier, more united Uganda.”
The 52nd Birthday Run is scheduled for [date to be confirmed, expected in June], starting from Kololo Independence Grounds or a central Kampala location, with routes designed to accommodate different categories – from elite runners and military personnel to community groups, students, and persons with disabilities. Last year’s event drew tens of thousands of participants from across the country, with vibrant displays of NRM colours and patriotic songs.
Organisers of the MK Birthday Run welcomed the NRM’s support, describing it as a timely boost that will help scale up logistics and reach even remote districts through district NRM structures.
“This partnership demonstrates the alignment between the NRM’s mobilisation agenda and the vision of inspiring a new generation of Ugandans who value discipline, fitness, and service to the nation,” a member of the organising committee noted.The Shs30 million package will be distributed through NRM district and sub-county chairpersons to ensure wide and transparent reach. Additional private sector sponsors are also expected to come on board as the event gains momentum.
Political observers see the move as part of broader efforts to rally support around the “MK Project” and position the first son as a central figure in Uganda’s future leadership discourse, while using the run to promote messages of peace, development, and Pan-Africanism.
As the countdown to the 52nd birthday run begins, excitement is already building on social media under hashtags such as #MK52Run and #NRM4Unity, with many young Ugandans pledging to lace up their running shoes in what has become one of the country’s most anticipated annual citizen engagements.
The NRM Secretariat urged all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to turn up in large numbers, describing the run as “a shared national cause that transcends partisan lines.”
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