The air at Nsambya Hospital was filled with a sense of purpose on Thursday as Rotary Uganda officially launched the 15th edition of the annual Cancer Run, themed “Gwanga Mujje.”
The event, which also served as a significant fundraising drive for the ongoing construction of the cancer treatment bunker, drew key figures from government and the corporate world, all united by a common enemy.
Walking through the hospital grounds, the Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Among, took a moment to acknowledge the facility’s high standards.
“I commend Nsambya Hospital for being very clean,” she stated. “I also want to commend you for the Cancer Unit that is here, which is going to help the country in complementing treatment in cancer and decongesting all the other referral hospitals.”
She urged the administration to double down on public education, emphasizing the need to sensitize people about the affordable treatment options available.
In a powerful show of support, the Speaker announced a substantial contribution. “On behalf of the President of The Republic of Uganda and Parliament, we will make a contribution of 3 Billion Shillings towards this year’s Cancer Run,” Rt. Hon. Among declared to applause.
“What we require from you is to create awareness. I have contributed personally as well as an institution. We live in this country for humanity. I get pride when I see that I have helped someone and the person can give a smile back. That is where we get happiness from.”
Adding to the momentum, Centenary Bank’s Executive Director, Joseph Balikuddembe, reaffirmed the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to the cause. As a co-founder of the Rotary Cancer Centre at the hospital, the bank has now contributed over UGX 3 billion over 15 years, announcing a further UGX 500 million for this year’s mission.
“Collective action is vital in the fight against cancer,” Mr. Balikuddembe remarked. He highlighted two key innovations: the launch of the Rotary Club of Mapeera, hosted by the bank, and the introduction of Gonza Pay—a digital wallet by CenteTech designed to simplify the purchase of run kits.
“Innovation must serve humanity,” he urged the public, encouraging them to download the app and join the fight.
PDG Stephen Mwanje delivered a stirring message of urgency, framing the battle as a deeply personal one. He stressed that the fight is not optional, but an urgent, collective mission.
Through the Rotary Cancer Programme’s focus on awareness, infrastructure, and collaboration, he was confident that with sustained partnership, “we will win this fight.”