Dfcu Bank, Buganda Kingdom Rally Ugandans To Continue Fighting HIV/AIDS Ahead Of The Upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run

Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga with the dfcu Bank CEO Mathias Katamba

dfcu Bank in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom has called upon Ugandans to continue being vigilant in the fight against HIV/AIDS especially among the Girl Child.

This was re-echoed during the Katikkiro of Buganda’s courtesy visit to the bank’s head office ahead of the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run slated for the 29^th November 2020.  This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run is under the theme ‘Men against AIDS to Save the Girl Child’ and will be a virtual event to curb the spread of COVID-19 as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.

Speaking during the event, dfcu Bank’s CEO, Mathias Katamba reiterated the objective of the partnership with Buganda Kingdom which is geared towards driving a sustained understanding that testing for HIV/AIDS is an essential gateway to HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

“We find ourselves in rather difficult times having to stay safe during a COVID-19 pandemic but even as we do so we must remember that HIV remains a major challenge in our country.       We all know someone who is living with HIV or who has died of AIDS. According to UNAIDS data, HIV prevalence is highest among the youth aged 15 – 24 and is almost four times higher among young women than men of the same age. We know that at least 1.4million Ugandans have tested positive for HIV and 1.2million of these are on treatment,” Katamba said.

“This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run is about raising more awareness among men and encouraging them to get tested and get treatment if needed. So, when we gather virtually on Sunday the 29th, we will be united for a great cause – a cause that rises above political affiliation, social strata, cultural beliefs, religious inclination, economic standing, and any other differences we could think of. As dfcu Bank, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Buganda and our other partners, is a demonstration of our a commitment to creating more possibilities,” Katamba added.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga commended dfcu Bank for its continued support of the Kingdom’s initiatives; “You cannot talk about culture and heritage and you separate them from the well-being of the people that is why the Kabaka tells us to prioritize the health of the people of Buganda and that is why for the next two years we are focusing on HIV/AIDS. Together with dfcu Bank and other Kingdom partners, we shall be raising awareness among our people to ensure that men can work towards saving the Girl Child from HIV.”

In December 2019, dfcu Bank signed a three-year partnership valued at over UGX, 500,000,000 with the Buganda Kingdom, making it the official Bank sponsor for the annual Kabaka Birthday Run.

Kits for the for the 2020 Kabaka Birthday Run priced at UGX 10,000 are now available a various locations across the country including all Masaza headquarters and Total gas stations (Sonde, Nateete, Namanve & Mengo).