KAMPALA – The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, has today launched the 8th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run by breaking the ground for the construction of bunkers needed for the installation of linear accelerators at Nsambya Hospital.
A linear accelerator is a modern cancer treatment machine.
“Through Rotary, we can ensure that Ugandans have access to modern cancer
treatment right here in the country. I appeal to everyone to support Rotary in
ensuring that these bunkers are built and machines purchased and installed,”
Hon Kadaga appealed.
The Rotary Cancer Run will be held on Sunday August 25 at Kololo Independence
Grounds and in 40 other major towns across the country.
“Individual Members of Parliament have each contributed Shs1m each year for the past two years making a combined contribution of almost Shs1b towards the
Rotary Cancer Run. We pledge to continue supporting this cause again this year,” she announced.
She thanked Rotarians and corporate partners for supplementing government
efforts in uplifting the health of the poor. “I however appeal to you to think
beyond Kampala when the construction of the bunkers and installation of linear
accelerators are done,” she added.
Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, who have been sponsoring
the Rotary Cancer Run since its inception in 2012 pledged to continue partnering
with Rotary.
“Centenary Bank is pleased to once again contribute Shs165 million for this
year’s Run and planned cancer outreach initiatives. It is our conviction that the
support we are extending to Rotary today will go a long way in helping with the
organization of this year’s Rotary Cancer Run and return significant health gains in the communities within which we operate,” Kasi said.
Kasi appealed to the general public to turn up in big numbers. “I appeal to
everyone not to grow weary in this fight against cancer, but to soldier on till we
conquer. Invite a friend to join in this noble cause and together let’s end the
cancer scourge in Uganda,” he appealed.
Past Rotary District Governor Stephen Mwanje who is also chair of the Uganda
Rotary Cancer Programme informed the Speaker that the plan is to build one
cancer centre per region. “In our new strategic plan, we have committed to build
at least five cancer centres accross the country,” Mwanje said.
Mwanje thanked all the partners including Nsambya Hospital for the support
over the years. “Without you, we wouldn’t be here today, thank you so much.
However, we need to do more by creating more awareness because if detected
early, cancer can be treated,” he said.
It is expected that this year, the Run will attract 50,000 runners across the
country to raise part of the approximately needed Shs18b to build the bunkers
and equip them with linear accelerators. Approximately Shs1.6b has been raised
so far from the previous three runs since 2015.
A programme to recognize individual donors was also launched. “This year we
are starting the Rotary Cancer Run Fellowship programme where an individual
member could pay a minimum of Shs1m and become a fellow of the run. This
comes with recognition and VIP access at Kololo,” said Rotarian Juliet Kyokunda,
Chair of this year’s Organising Committee.
Registration for the Rotary Cancer Run is at UGX25,000 at select Centenary Bank
branches, all Capital Shoppers outlets, Rotary Office on the 9th Floor of NIC
Building, and Game Stores Lugogo.
Registration will also be done in all major
towns that are participating in the run.
The Rotary Cancer Run 2019 is sponsored by the Parliament of Uganda,
Centenary Bank and supported by New Vision, UAP Insurance, Liquid Telecom,
Uganda Petroleum Authority, Maad Advertising, Events Warehouse, and
Rwenzori Mineral Water among others.
