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Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick launched the 14th Rotary Cancer Run at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, praising Uganda’s Rotarians for their efforts in combating cancer. The run, scheduled for August 31, aims to raise funds to complete bunkers and wards for modern cancer treatment machines at the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward.

Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick has praised the Rotarians in Uganda for prioritizing the fight against cancer.

During her week-long visit to Uganda, Urchick addressed Rotarians and their partners before launching the 14th edition of the run at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya. This year’s run will be held on August 31, starting at the Kololo Ceremonial Ground.

Fundraising efforts for this year’s run will include a digital fundraising drive, which Urchick kicked off with a $100 contribution. Over UGX 13 billion 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.

Urchick, who toured the cancer ward and the construction site, noted that cancer is a major concern not only in Uganda but globally.

“The establishment of a cancer center in Uganda will help many people who may not be able to receive treatment outside the country, and I believe that is the majority of people. For 13 years now, you have been people of action, pooling your resources and expertise to build this center that is providing relief to the people of Uganda,” Urchick said.

“That is the spirit of Rotary; that is how we change the world; that is how we make Rotary magic; thank you for touching lives,” she added.

She acknowledged the Catholic Church through the hospital for offering the land for the cancer center and overseeing the work, as well as the different partners with multi-year sponsorships.

“I understand that there is much more to be done. My belief is that when we work together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. We are people of action. Your efforts with this ambitious program to create a world-class cancer center, which started in 2010, are highly commendable.

“The cancer run, where more than 50,000 people participate, shows the tenacity of the Rotary Clubs in Uganda in rallying the nation to support such an important cause,” Urchick, who was accompanied by the Aide to Rotary International President Thomas Gump, stated.

She encouraged all Rotarians worldwide to contribute to the cause through the fundraising smartphone app she launched, which will enable everyone to contribute. She also promised to be a goodwill ambassador for the cause and thanked all those who have contributed before for ‘spreading the magic of Rotary.’

Rotary Cancer Run Chairperson Rita Baraka said that apart from the ‘Many Cancers-One Race’ drive, they had launched a $1 million campaign to which anyone can contribute any amount. Those who offer at least UGX 100,000 will receive a souvenir branded Cancer Run 2025 T-shirt.

USAID, one of the partners, will contribute shs2.7 billion over the next three years, while Centenary Bank (UGX 500 million), Krystal Natural Mineral Water (UGX 500 million), Vision Group (UGX 70 million), MAAD Advertising (UGX 55 million), and NBS Sport are already committed to this year’s event.

Daniele Nyirandutiye, USAID Mission Director, said the agency would support the run through several major health campaigns across the country.

“Over the next three years, we shall join Rotary Uganda through the Rotary Cancer Run to provide integrated services at medical camps, reaching more than 216,000 people, an investment of UGX 2.7 billion.

“This aims to go beyond cervical cancer screening to provide unique opportunities to engage the diverse population, including men and young people.

“The services will include HIV/AIDS screening and testing, TB screening with X-ray services, NCDs screening and treatment, prostate and breast cancer screening, and maternal health and nutritional services.

“Our collaborations exemplify how the non-profit and public sectors can join forces to address Uganda’s most pressing development challenges. I’m looking forward to standing with many of you and running alongside you to support this critical cause and continue serving above self in pursuit of a more resilient and prosperous Uganda,” Nyirandutiye stated.

Centenary Bank General Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Beatrice Lugalambi, said the bank would offer UGX 500 million towards this year’s run, noting that their engagement and service to humanity are enshrined in their values.

“We have four pillars that drive our commitment: health, education, environmental stewardship, and community development. With these pillars, we are able to serve the communities, and Rotary is service to humanity to make a difference. Our mission drives us in transforming lives,” she said.

She added that they had contributed to several initiatives with Rotary, including different medical outreaches and support for cancer awareness, among others.

Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje noted that they wouldn’t achieve much without partnerships and hailed all the partners for their support over the years. He said their target is to complete the cancer ward by 2027 before focusing on the equipment.

“We won’t stop running after 2027. The funds coming in after that will go to the Rotary Cancer Foundation so that people who can’t afford the cost of treatment can get the treatment. Our biggest dream is to have a policy of not turning away any patient regardless of their financial situation because everyone comes to run. Our dream is to get funds through that foundation to supplement the cost of treatment,” Mwanje stated.

The event was attended by Rotarians and board members of St. Francis Nsambya Hospital, led by the board chairman Fred Ssengooba.