Rotary Club Launches 2025 Cancer Run to Complete Cancer Institute in Kampala
Group Photo of the Rotary Cancer run Organizing team after the press briefing
ARUA: The Rotary Club of Uganda has launched its 2025 Cancer Run in Arua City to raise funds for completing a cancer institute at Nsambya in Kampala.
Scheduled for August 31, 2025, the run aims to raise at least UGX 4 billion.
Rotary officials report that a 36-bed cancer treatment center at Nsambya, valued at UGX 1.5 billion, is now operational.
However, many Ugandans still die from cancer due to limited awareness, diagnosis, and treatment facilities.
To address this, the club is pursuing an ambitious project to acquire advanced cancer treatment equipment, including Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines, costing approximately USD 3.65 million (UGX 13.9 billion).
Dr. Alphonsus Matovu, a senior consultant general surgeon at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), explained that funds from this year’s Cancer Run will support the construction of bunkers, the purchase of LINAC machines, and training for staff to operate them.
“The LINAC machine is highly effective with minimal side effects compared to other screening equipment that emit harmful radiation. We aim to acquire two machines to enhance treatment,” he said.
Sharon Lalam, the regional coordinator for the Cancer Run in West Nile, highlighted the fundraising progress: “In 2023, we raised UGX 1.1 billion, which doubled to UGX 2.3 billion in 2024.
This year, our target is UGX 4 billion. Cancer treatment is extremely costly, and with only one major cancer center at Mulago, we need these funds to establish specialized facilities at Nsambya. We still need about UGX 11.8 billion to complete the project.”
Florence Atayi, a breast cancer survivor, shared her story to emphasize the importance of early detection.
Diagnosed in 2013 while pregnant with her third child, she discovered a painless lump in her right breast.
“I was vigilant and sought a referral to Mulago Hospital, where tests confirmed breast cancer. It was devastating news, especially with a one-month-old baby. I underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to save my life,” she said, urging women to prioritize regular health checkups.
With Mulago Hospital previously being Uganda’s only major cancer treatment center, the Uganda Rotary Cancer Programme aims to bridge this gap through initiatives like the Cancer Run and the Nsambya institute.