Security agencies have banned political messages on kits for this year’s Kabaka’s Birthday Run in Kampala, which marks the Kabaka’s 71st birthday today, Sunday. At a joint security briefing at Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, Capt Christopher Lutwaama, head of security for the kingdom, said tight measures had been put in place to deter potential threats. Lutwaama said covert operatives will be deployed to run alongside participants across all categories to detect any suspicious activity, in addition to security personnel stationed along all routes. He warned that runners wearing kits with political messages, party symbols or slogans will be denied entry. “The password is the 2026 Kabaka Birthday Run kit. Don’t write anything on it. Wear it as you bought it – no names, no political party symbols. You will be turned away if you do. Also, no knives, sharp objects or anything that raises security concerns,” Lutwaama said. The directive follows incidents during the 2025 run where some participants were seen singing opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) songs, drawing criticism that the event was being politicised, despite its health-focused objectives. Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said security will be jointly deployed on all roads leading to Lubiri, the main venue, and along the running routes. He added that only participants wearing new, unaltered kits will be allowed access. “Our counter-terrorism and UPDF teams, both uniformed and plain-clothes, will ensure participant safety. Security will strictly follow the guidelines, and participants are urged to comply for a smooth run,” Owoyesigyire said. Kampala Metropolitan traffic police commander ASP Godwin Arinaitwe announced traffic diversions to facilitate the event. Traffic from Ndeeba junction will be redirected from Ring Road to Zing Zing road for vehicles heading towards Masaka Road. Motorists from Clock Tower, except those with authorised stickers, will be diverted at the Mengo Ring Road junction onto Zing Zing Road. Another diversion will be effected at Nabunya crossroads, redirecting traffic via Kabusu–Memorial Road to Rubaga Road. No vehicles or participants will be allowed to access Nabunya crossroads towards Kabakanjagala roundabout, while the stretch at the Lubiri main gate will be reserved strictly for runners. Arinaitwe cautioned motorists against roadside parking, warning that vehicles will be towed to the nearest police station. Designated parking areas will include Nnabagereka Primary School, Lubiri parking for invited guests, and Lubiri Secondary School. Buganda Kingdom spokesperson Israel Kazibwe Kitooke urged participants to avoid violence and hooliganism to ensure a peaceful event. The 13th Kabaka’s Birthday Run will take place at Lubiri, Mengo, under the theme “Men’s role in promoting good health to save the girl child and end HIV by 2030,” with an estimated 120,000 participants expected.The post Police bans ‘Bobi Wine’ slogans from Kabaka’s Birthday Run appeared first on The Observer.