Hundreds of dog owners, animal welfare advocates, and enthusiasts gathered at Dolphin Suites in Bugolobi on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for the annual Kampala Dog Walk, an event organized by the Dogwalk Foundation to highlight rabies prevention and responsible pet care. The event, held a day before World Rabies Day, featured participants with dogs of diverse breeds, including Maltese, Poodles, Corgis, Boerboels, German Shepherds, and local African dogs, as they walked through Bugolobi Market and Shell Bugolobi before returning to the venue. The campaign emphasized vaccination, ownership identification, and the human-animal health connection, with organizers noting that rabies is 100% preventable through immunization.
The Dog Walk included a dog festival where participants showcased their pets, received awards for training and care, and interacted with animal welfare groups. The Alliance for Animal Welfare brought rescue dogs for adoption, while the Canine Association of Uganda registered locally bred Ugandan Maltese to establish records for breed management and vaccination tracking. Geofrey Twesigye, director of the Dogwalk Foundation and chief organizer, stated the event aimed to address misconceptions about rabies and encourage households to vaccinate their pets, stressing that the disease poses a fatal risk but is entirely preventable. The walk’s theme, “One Health for All,” underscored the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.
Public health officials and organizers highlighted the urgency of rabies prevention, as the disease remains a significant threat in Uganda despite available vaccines. The event also drew attention to broader animal welfare issues, including the need for adoption of stray animals and improved pet care standards. With over 1,000 dogs vaccinated in Luweero ahead of World Rabies Day, the Kampala Dog Walk reinforced community-driven efforts to safeguard both human and animal populations. Twesigye reiterated that the campaign sought to foster a culture of responsibility, ensuring pets are not only protected but also contribute positively to public health.
The annual Dog Walk has grown into a key platform for raising awareness about rabies and animal welfare, reflecting Kampala’s increasing engagement with these issues. By combining education, advocacy, and community participation, the event continues to play a vital role in promoting health and safety. Organizers plan to expand similar initiatives to other regions, emphasizing that collective action is essential to eliminating preventable diseases like rabies.