Amidst the heavy downpour, a big statement was made as the king of Buganda Kingdom, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II flagged off hundreds of thousands of participants for the 2018 Airtel Kabaka Birthday run.
At least 50,000 runners took part in the sold-out race took part in the early Sunday morning event.
From as early as 4 AM, runners defied the harsh weather as they flocked the Lubiri, Mengo palace for the warm up and limbering drills.
By 6 AM, the turn up had peaked with all gates of the royal palace jammed up with red as the people strove to gain access to the starting point.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister, Katikiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga flanked by the Kingdom minister of Sports, Leisure and Recreation, Owek. Henry Ssekabembe Kiberu were part of the team that warmly welcomed the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who arrived minutes to 7 AM.
He waved to his eagerly awaiting subjects before the Buganda and National anthems were played.
First he flagged off the 21KM race runners amidst excitement with the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda national flags.
Moments later, he then flagged off the 10KM runners and finally the biggest chunk that covered 5KM, the shortest route, running through Rubaga road, Nabunya road, Lubiri Ring road before the finish back at Lubiri Mengo.
The run was also graced by top officials from Airtel Uganda that included Managing Director, V.G Somasekhar; Marketing Director, Indrajeet Singh and Head of Brand and Communication, Remmie Kisakye.
All classes of people in the community; from the rich to marginalized, young and aged, musicians, politicians, sportsmen, businessmen, lawyers, journalists, doctors, philanthropists like Bryan White and the ordinary laymen took part.
FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson spoke to Kawowo Sports after completing a 5KM run.
It is a big honour to take part in the Kabaka Birthday run. This is one way of keeping fit, celebrating with the Kabaka and helping the fight against Sickle Cell.
Watson was joined by the FUFA President, Moses Magogo, Sports Club Villa Jogoo players, fans, Uganda Cycling Federation President among other sportsmen who graced the run.
Different companies led by the prime sponsors, Airtel Uganda Limited bought running kits for their respective employees to run in the race.
By 10:30 AM, most participants had returned as they joined many in the stretching drills before entertainment by the lined up musicians.
The proceeds from the run will be used to help sickle cell patients.