Makerere University Nkobazambogo Students Association in conjunction with the School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS) on Sunday 27^th February 2022 organized a mini marathon at the Makerere University Freedom Square intended to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among University students as well as amplify voices against Gender based Violence-GBV.

The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Umar Kakumba who set the runners off. Other guests included Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, and the Patron of Nkobazambogo Dr. Sauda Namyalo, among others.

The two kilometre run attracted hundreds of runners who turned up at the Freedom Square to take part in the event. The top five runners in both men and women categories were recognized by the organisers of the event.

In his remarks Professor Kakumba highlighted the vital role of cultural groups in instilling discipline and promoting unity amongst the university students. “First of all cultural groups instill discipline in students and everyone in this world needs disciplined to succeed however intelligent you are; without morals you are less important.”

The Dean of Students applauded the Nkobazambogo Students Association for the initiative and urged them to double their efforts in the cause to end the pandemic. “Universities are at risk of HIV they are risk ins and this is because they are composed of the youth that are sexually active and I believe the students are ideal ambassadors to create awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, they can take this lead by having interventions such sexual public education programs, spreading messages that reduce the risk of HIV transmission and specifically focusing on young people” said Mrs. Kabumbuli.

The Dean of Students added that; “you can play this part by encouraging testing of people who are sexually active and making sure proper counseling in collaboration with Health service providers is made.”

Dr. Saudah Namyalo, Patron Nkobazambogo at Makerere expressed her gratefulness to the students for spearheading the campaign to end Gender Based Violence in Buganda .

“We have seen so many  Gender Based Violence cases such as murder here in Buganda. However, it’s such an interesting and promising thing, seeing youth like you coming up to stop and fight such acts so that they come to an end in Buganda. I know and I believe that you can do it.” Dr. Namyalo revealed.

Kajoba Hamza on behalf of Buganda Kingdom thanked the University fraternity for coming up with such amazing ideas that contribute to the development of Buganda.

“It’s so amazing for students of Makerere University to come together with the University Administration and organize activities like this one which have a good cause for the people of Buganda.” Kajoba said.

Buganda Kingdom in 2020 inaugurated a theme titled “Men for Good Health and Ending AIDS by 2030” intended to end HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030. His Highness the Kabaka of Buganda who was appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for engaging men on HIV prevention in the Eastern and Southern Region of Uganda uses events such as the mini-marathon to sensitize and create awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus by encouraging the youth to take lead in the fight.

According to statistics by UNAIDS, in 2018 1.4 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Statistics further indicate that 84 percent of people living with HIV in 2018 knew their status, 72 percent were on treatment and 64 percent had the virus suppressed. However, Kabaka Mutebi believes the statistics of new transmissions can be overturned if people remain vigilant.