Rwenzururu Kingdom targets 10,000 runners for Omusinga Birthday Run

The Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Kingdom is targeting more than 10,000 runners for the Omusinga Birthday Run on November 14 as it steps up efforts to raise funds for the construction of a royal palace estimated to cost shs5 billion.

The run will take place at Nyakasanga Playground in Kasese Town, with organisers hoping to attract more participants than last year’s inaugural event, which saw 2,518 running kits sold across the 5km, 10km and 21km categories.

The Kingdom on Friday commissioned the kits for this year’s event, with Prime Minister Benson Baritazale Kule urging subjects and well-wishers to support the palace project by purchasing the official running kits.

Baritazale said the Omusinga remained committed to the palace project, which is part of the Kingdom’s strategic plan, and called on all communities within the Kingdom to take part in the run.

“We are running for the palace. We expect this year’s birthday run to attract more runners, bring our people together and become bigger and better than the first edition,” Baritazale said.

Geoffrey Kanyonyi, the Kingdom’s Minister of Information and chairperson of the palace construction committee, said the organisers were targeting more than 10,000 runners and urged the public to support the fundraising drive.

“We are targeting over 10,000 runners this year, and we urge everyone to buy kits because all proceeds will support palace construction,” Kanyonyi said.

The Omusinga who is in Turkey for a medical review is expected to attend the event, having missed last year’s edition. The Kingdom also postponed its coronation anniversary celebrations, initially scheduled for Monday 19, to allow them to coincide with the Omusinga’s birthday and give him an opportunity to attend.

The celebrations are expected to include the birthday run and activities marking the coronation anniversary as the Kingdom continues to mobilise support for the palace project.

Last year’s inaugural event featured three race categories, with 740 runners taking part in the 5km race, 462 in the 10km and 397 in the 21km. The routes covered parts of Kasese Municipality, including Mbarara, Fort Portal, Kilembe and Crescent roads.

In the men’s 21km race, Ericana Nyamunyu finished first, followed by Melody Masereka and Kelvin Mumbere, while Eva Masika won the women’s race ahead of Eliza Mbambu and Jovia Biira.

Omega Julius won the men’s 10km race, while Annet Muhanuka Muhindo took the women’s title. Felix Bwambale won the men’s 5km race, followed by Benedict Tibara and Elton Mumbere.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s Talent Development Day, organised under the leadership of Kyakere Carnival, was scheduled to take place at Rwenzori Square on Sunday as part of activities to promote young people’s talents.