Rotary Cancer Run getting closer to its target

Rotarians with the help of the general public got closer to their dream of completing the construction of bunkers that will house two Linear Accelerators (radiotherapy machines) at the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital, after the 12th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at Kololo on Sunday.

Over sh1.5b was raised from the over 40000 runners from different cities and towns across the country and from the diaspora in the annual charity event.

Already sh2.3b has been spent on the initial works to construct the bunkers with more needed to expedite the works with a target of commissioning the facility in three years’ time. Over sh12b is needed to complete the work, the reason, the link: https://tickets.ugandarotarycancer.org is going to remain open for more donations.

As they raise the money through the runs, the rotarians are also working around the clock to take the team that will handle the machines through training.

One of the runners holds one of her shoes in the hand as she participates in the Rotary Cancer Run at Kololo, August 26, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“We want to complete work on the bunkers by 2026, so that by 2027 to have the best brains handling cancer cases in the region,” Rotary Cancer Program Uganda Board Chairman and Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje Mwanje noted.

On Sunday, thousands of people from all walks of life forewent their morning sleep on Sunday and “Run for hope” in the 12th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at Kololo Ceremonial ground.  

These were joined by many others in parallel runs held in other towns and cities in the country and from across the world including in Bujumbura, Kigali, Mombasa, Addis Ababa, Paris, Beijing, and Dar-es-salaam among others.

And their effort wasn’t in vain as over sh1.56b was raised; money that will go towards the completion of the construction of bunkers that will house two Linear Accelerators (radiotherapy machines) at the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital.

Addressing the runners after the event at Kololo, Mwanje said over 40,000 runners had participated in this year’s run and thanked all the rotary clubs in the country for mobilizing the people for the cause.

“You are the most important people today in the fight against cancer,” Mwanje told the participants.

People from all walks of life including Rotarians and Rotaractors, the head of the European Union (EU) who participated with a 20-man delegation, the ambassadors of Eritrea, Germany, Pakistan, Iranian, and other participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among other dignitaries participated in the one-day annual charity event.

The chief runner, also the Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Fabian Kasi congratulated and thanked all the runners for participating and also thanked Rotary for giving them the opportunity to be able to give back to the community.

“We want to pledge that we will continue to journey with rotary to be able to achieve the objective that this is intended to achieve which is basically to fight the scourge of cancer in this country,” Kasi said.

Harris International’s Everson Bwengye, a cancer survivor from the co-sponsors Krystal Natural Mineral Water, encouraged all those suffering from cancer to persevere because the ‘disease was not a death sentence’ but it is treatable like many others.

Harris International’s Everson Bwengye (right) receives a token of appreciation from one the past District Governors. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Our sponsorship of the 2023 edition of the Rotary Cancer Run reflects the company’s commitment to supporting important community initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and affordable healthcare. Harris believes that by coming together and working collaboratively, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer,” Bwengye, who gave testimonies alongside other cancer survivors; Lucia Gumikiriza and Harriet, stated.

Rotary Cancer Run Chairperson Christine Namayanja thanked all the platinum sponsors; Parliament of Uganda, Unilever, New Vision, Krystal Natural Mineral Water MAAD Advertising, NBS sport and Events Warehouse, all of whom received tokens of appreciation from the organisers.

Many other co-sponsors that included UEGC, Platinum Credit, Uganda Investment Authority, Total EP, Medical partners, HIK, Nakasero Hospital, Mengo Hospital, Galaxy FM, CBS FM, Radio Simba, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda Insurers Association, Office of the Auditor General, and Joint Medical Stores among others were also recognised.

Already sh2.3b has been spent on the initial works to construct the bunkers with more needed to expedite the works with a target of commissioning the facility in three years’ time. “We want to complete work on the bunkers by 2026, so that by 2027 to have the best brains handling cancer cases in the region,” Mwanje said earlier before Sunday’s run.

This year’s cancer fight campaign is focusing on three key areas; creating awareness to encourage people to seek timely treatment to avoid impoverishment caused in accessing treatment, promoting increased access to treatment and encouraging early detection through medical camps.