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Cedric Ndilima Babu, the Vice Chairman, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in Kampala (middle) calls public to embrace climate change mitigation with a run. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is expected to flag off a climate change run tomorrow as part of the celebrations to mark his 51st birthday.
The Patriots Club of Uganda, in partnership with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic organization, has organized a 10-kilometre birthday run for Gen. Muhoozi under the theme: “Run for Greening Uganda: An MK Climate Change Mitigation Plan.”
“Uganda continues to face significant environmental challenges and climate change. The country's efforts to address these issues have become crucial for sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens,” said Cedric Ndilima Babu, Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), in Kampala.
The PLU leaders told the public to find the kits provided free at the Kololo Independence Grounds on Sunday. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Addressing an impromptu press conference at Kololo Independence Grounds early this morning, supporters of Gen. Muhoozi stated that the run will be one of several events organized to mark his birthday, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.
“This is an empowering call to action, urging personal commitment from every Ugandan to protect the environment and raise awareness about sustainable practices,” Babu said.
He added that the run is a campaign designed to inspire change and mobilize action among individuals and communities across Uganda on climate change and environmental conservation.
“As you are aware, we are experiencing floods, extreme heat, delayed rains, and prolonged droughts in different parts of the country due to climate change. As Ugandans, we cannot sit back. We must act to protect our environment, and we are glad that Gen. MK is leading the way,” Ndilima emphasized.
Route Chart
According to the organizing committee chairperson, Bob Kakuru, the run will start at exactly 7:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. The route begins at Kololo Airstrip, proceeds through Acacia Road, Fairway Hotel (Yusuf Lule Road), Mulago Roundabout, Kamwokya, Kira Road, Lugogo Bypass, Jinja Road, Hotel Africana, and back to Kololo Independence Grounds.
Taxi Drivers Urged to Fight Air Pollution
The Chairperson of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators, Rashid Ssekindi, urged taxi drivers to play a significant role in reducing air pollution by adopting environmentally friendly practices and advocating for cleaner transportation options. “We support this initiative and encourage all taxi drivers to take part in the run to help protect our environment,” he said.
“Old taxis are a major contributor to air pollution in Kampala. That’s why we are encouraging drivers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, which produce significantly fewer emissions,” he added.
Ssekindi noted that regular vehicle maintenance can reduce emissions and improve air quality. These are among the initiatives the climate run aims to promote, in addition to broader efforts to curb environmental degradation.
The Chairperson Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators, Rashid Ssekindi urged taxi drivers to play a significant role in reducing air pollution. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) physical planner, Albert Agaba, emphasized that climate change has already affected the country and must be addressed urgently to prevent further damage.
He pointed out that Uganda has seen increased incidences of floods, persistent droughts—especially in the cattle corridor—landslides, and a significant reduction in wetland cover, all of which threaten the country’s climate and its agricultural backbone.
“The current global climate crisis—characterized by devastating floods, droughts, extreme temperatures, and other environmentally driven disasters—underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response,” Agaba said.
He lamented that while Uganda had 15.6% wetland cover in 1994, only 9.2% remains today as intact wetlands. The main threats to wetlands, he said, include unsustainable urban development, agriculture, overharvesting, pollution, and exploitation of wetland resources.
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