Parliament offers sh1b for Rotary Cancer Run

The government of Uganda through the parliament will contribute sh1b towards the 13th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run on August 25.

The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among delivered the news of the offer during the launch of this year’s event near the construction site of the facility at Nsambya Hospital on Wednesday.

Rotary has set an ambitious target to double its collection from this year’s run that will be held under the theme ‘Spread Magic in Every Step’. The main event will take place at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds while 40 other districts, cities, and towns across the country and in the diaspora will also take part.

Over sh13b is needed to complete the construction of bunkers and a ward that will house two Linear Accelerators (modern cancer treatment machines) at the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital.

 “On behalf of the president of Uganda who gives us money for donations, we will contribute sh1b. The money we get as donations must be channeled towards this project for the good of humanity, to touch people’s lives, and to make someone smile that is our pride as parliament,” Among said.

Michael Niyitegeka (left), the chairman of the Rotary Cancer Run poses with the New Vision Head of Marketing Lorrain Tukahirwa during the launch of the 13th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at Nsambya Hospital. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“We are a pro-people parliament and this country believes in ensuring everybody is happy. And we are doing this to complement what the government is doing in decongesting other institutions.

“Some of us gain our pride from giving back, I get proud when I help someone and the person gets a smile back that is where we get our happiness from and as the parliament of Uganda which is a people-centered parliament, we will support generously for the completion of the bunker.

“And even next year we should be able to come back and contribute but we should be able to complete this work as soon as possible. And I want to assure you that when this bunker is completed it will bring a smile not only to Nsambya Hospital, but to all the runners, and the Rotarians,” Among stated.

She pledged further support to the project which is projected to be completed by 2026 and fully operational in 2027.

Rotarians pose after the launch of the 13th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run, at Nsambya Hospital, April 24, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The CEO of Nsambya Hospital Dr. Andrew Ssekitoleko said since 2012 money has been raised through the run which led to the construction of the Rotary Cancer Ward which is now operational.

“What is remaining in the line of treating cancer victims is radiotherapy which is what we are currently fundraising for. Construction alone will take close to sh6b while the two machines will cost sh10b on top of training the manpower that will operate the machines and treat the patients,” Ssekitoleko said.

The chairman of the Rotary Cancer Program Stephen Mwanje said only 30 percent of the Cancer Center is operational with only 20 percent accomplished with the ongoing construction.

Several corporate companies including the New Vision, Centenary Bank, and Kyrstal Natural Mineral Water have already committed to the 13th edition of the run.

Rotarians pose after the launch of the 13th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run, at Nsambya Hospital, April 24, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

New Vision Head of Marketing Lorrain Tukahirwa announced a sh70m offer, Centenary Bank Managing Director Fabian Kasi and the Centenary Foundation pledged sh300m while Krystal Water and MAAD Advertising offered sh200m and sh55m each respectively. Different District Governors and Rotarians attended the function.

Participants expected to be close to 60,000 will part with sh30,000 to participate in the run which will be held across the world and in Uganda over two days.

According to Michael Niyitegeka the chairman of the run, the first day will feature a community health camp offering various health services, and primary cancer screening by the Rotary medical partners before the run on August 25 starting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

“We want to use this as a platform to demonstrate that cancer is a disease that can be eliminated if early checks and diagnosis are made,” Niyitegeka said.

He said the different packages, routes, and other logistics about the run will be shared in due course.