Rotary Club Ntinda steps up cancer awareness efforts

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Hundreds turned up as the Rotary Club of Ntinda intensified its efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of cancer among vulnerable communities, launching a series of free screening camps in collaboration with churches and mosques in the area.

Speaking during a screening exercise held at St. Luke Church in Ntinda on July 19, 2025, David Allan Twinomujuni, the president of the Rotary Club of Ntinda for the 2025/26 year, said the initiative aims to reach low-income families who are often left out of mainstream healthcare systems.

“The scourge of cancer has affected countless families in our communities. Some people are forced to sell property, take on debt, or withdraw their children from school just to afford treatment,” Twinomujuni said.

“We are creating awareness in Ntinda by offering free cancer screening and working through trusted institutions like churches and mosques to reach the most vulnerable.”

The health camp offered free screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

Nantayi Martha, a nurse from UCI who led the screening exercise, emphasised the life-saving importance of early detection.

“Breast cancer affects both women and men, but men tend to present late, which significantly reduces survival rates,” Nantayi noted.

“For women, early detection through regular self-examination—especially every seven days during their periods or at least once a month—can dramatically improve outcomes.”

She warned that breast cancer does not discriminate by age, urging both young and older women to be vigilant about symptoms such as visible green veins, changes in skin texture, and any abnormal swelling.

“If you observe any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately,” she said.

On prostate cancer, Nantayi advised men aged 40 and above to get screened annually and to maintain good hydration habits.

“Drinking a lot of water helps keep vital organs healthy,” she explained, adding that even men in their 30s should consider routine medical check-ups to monitor the condition of their internal organs.

The event comes at a time when the newly installed Rotary District Governor for District 9213, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule, is steering the organisation towards a more health-centred and community-based agenda across Uganda.

Unveiling his roadmap for the 2025/26 Rotary year recently, Kitakule highlighted Rotary’s continued commitment to addressing Uganda’s critical health challenges.

“Rotary has helped reduce the cost of cancer treatment for many,” he said, citing the upcoming Rotary Cancer Run scheduled for August as one of the flagship initiatives aimed at saving lives and promoting health equity.

Kitakule also noted Rotary’s growing impact in other sectors, including blood donation drives, the launch of regional blood banks, the construction of libraries, and the distribution of scholastic materials in underserved areas like Soroti.

“This year, we’re focusing on deepening community engagement, expanding membership, and making Rotary’s impact more visible and felt across Uganda,” Kitakule said.

“Our projects are not just interventions; they are lifelines for people who would otherwise be left behind.”

The Rotary Cancer Run has grown into one of the largest charity runs in the country, raising billions of shillings annually to support cancer treatment infrastructure, including the construction of bunkers and the acquisition of radiotherapy equipment for the Uganda Cancer Institute.

As the burden of cancer continues to rise in Uganda, the Rotary Club of Ntinda’s grassroots approach—reaching people through religious institutions and offering free screening—is being hailed as a model for early detection and public health education.

“Health starts with awareness,” said President Twinomujuni.

“When people understand the risks, the signs, and the importance of early detection, we stand a better chance of beating cancer in our communities.”