Rotary Club Rukungiri Central Holds Cancer Run to Support Nsambya Hospital Cancer Project

Rukungiri: The Rotary Club of Rukungiri Central has joined thousands of Ugandans across the country in the annual Rotary Cancer Run, held within Rukungiri town as a show of solidarity towards the construction of a specialized cancer treatment bank at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala. The facility will host a cancer machine to ease access to treatment.

The event, which started at 7:00 am on August 31, from Rukungiri Inn Hotel, attracted a large turnout of participants from different walks of life, including corporate organizations, education leaders, and political figures. Runners went through the main streets of Rukungiri town before converging back at Rukungiri Inn for aerobics and physical exercises.

Speaking to our news reporter, Rotary Club Rukungiri Central President, Sofia Turyabagyenyi, said the cancer run is part of Rotary’s broader campaign to fight cancer and save lives. She explained that the planned bank at Nsambya Hospital will significantly reduce treatment costs for Ugandans compared to those who are currently forced to seek expensive care abroad, particularly in India.

She also urged the public to protect projects initiated by Rotary, noting that many initiatives, such as tree-planting drives, have suffered setbacks due to destruction and neglect.

Among the notable participants were Brian Kasaija, Centenary Bank Rukungiri Branch Manager; Rev. Ivan Mwongyera, Headteacher of Kashenyi Secondary School; Eng. Chris Mugyenyi, elder Rotarian; and former Rukungiri Woman MP, Betty Bamukwatsa Muzanira. They emphasized that the new facility at Nsambya will bring life-saving services closer to Ugandans, making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible.

The Past President and Cancer Run Officer for Rukungiri Central, Canon Wycliff Makky Twinomujuni, thanked all who took part in the event, which was held simultaneously across the country. He further encouraged the public to support community initiatives such as environmental conservation, tree planting, and helping vulnerable groups. He also invited more people to join Rotary in its mission of service above self.

According to the Uganda Cancer Institute, the number of annual cancer cases has risen sharply from 27,000 to 40,000 in recent years. In 2024 alone, Uganda recorded about 21,000 cancer-related deaths, underscoring the urgent need for affordable, timely, and accessible cancer care services nationwide.