LIRA, UGANDA – Thousands of youths from the Lango sub-region on Sunday, April 26, flooded the streets of Lira City to participate in the MK Birthday Run, joining wider national celebrations taking place in Kampala.
The event, held at the Mayor’s Garden, was a vibrant display of community solidarity and support for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), who turned 52.
Participants gathered at the Mayor’s Garden before embarking on a lively run through key city routes, including Odokomit, Uhuru Bar, and Obote Avenue, before looping back to the starting point. The crowd was diverse, comprising youth groups, local leaders, party officials, members of the business community, and fitness enthusiasts, all united by a shared sense of purpose.
Many donned branded running kits emblazoned with messages such as “MK Birthday Run,” “Run for Change,” and “Be the Change”—themes emphasizing health, unity, and community development.
Speaking during the event, Lira City Resident Commissioner Lawrence Egole, who represented Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commended the people of Lango for their massive participation.
“This run serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform to raise awareness on social issues and promote healthy living,” Egole said. He added that the event provided an opportunity for youths, leaders, and the business community to network and draw inspiration from Gen. Muhoozi’s leadership, which he said continues to positively influence many young people across the country.
Egole also congratulated Gen. Muhoozi on his 52nd birthday, describing him as a leader whose example encourages service and patriotism.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, who also took part in the run, noted the personal significance of the occasion. “I share the same birth year as Gen. Muhoozi,” Atul said, adding that the celebration was therefore deeply meaningful to him.
Security personnel were deployed along the route to ensure the safety of participants, while medical teams remained on standby throughout the event. The peaceful and energetic atmosphere underscored the region’s commitment to community-driven initiatives.
This year’s run, held under the theme “Run for Change, Be the Change,” also incorporated a fundraising drive aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, particularly children. Organizers emphasized that the initiative reflects Gen. Muhoozi’s commitment to social responsibility and improving the welfare of disadvantaged groups.
Further support came from Jane Ruth Aceng, the Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, who contributed running kits for participants. In her message delivered during the event, she called for unity among the people of Lango and encouraged continued support for government development programs.
The MK Birthday Run has grown into a nationwide activity, attracting participants from across Uganda. In Lira, this year’s edition stood out for its strong turnout and organization, highlighting the Lango sub-region’s active engagement and support for the PLU league chaired by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son to Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
As the last runners crossed the finish line at Mayor’s Garden, the atmosphere remained one of celebration, patriotism, and collective hope for change proving that in Lira, the MK Birthday Run is more than a race; it is a movement.
