60,000 join Rotary Cancer Run to raise sh3.5b for Nsambya centre

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The 2025 Rotary Cancer Run drew 60,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary, raising sh3.5 billion to support the construction, completion and equipping of a cancer centre at Nsambya Hospital.

The turnout, described as a record by organisers, marked a major step towards the vision of equipping Uganda with a modern facility capable of handling advanced cancer treatment.

Past district governor Steven Mwanje, the brains behind the Cancer Run, told participants at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds that the steady rise in contributions from sh1 billion in 2023 and sh2.1 billion in 2024 had set the pace for this year’s achievement.

“We have broken and set fresh records this year. We have had a total of 60,000 runners participating in this year’s run, and we have collected sh3.5 billion.

We are ideally trying to double the funds and number of kits that we bought last year,” Mwanje said.

This year’s run was organised under the theme “Many cancers, one run.”

Mwanje noted that their target is to have the cancer centre operational by 2027, adding that the main fundraising vehicle for the project is the Cancer Run. He stressed that if Rotarians and well-wishers continue supporting the initiative, the centre will be completed on time.

Rotary International director nominee Emmanuel Katongole said the event is not just a run but “a race to save a life”, recalling that the fight against cancer began more than nine years ago with a visionary man, past district governor Mwanje.

“Uganda Cancer Run is one of the biggest gatherings of Rotary International,” Katongole said, adding that every year Uganda recognises heroes, but for Rotarians, Mwanje is Rotary’s hero.

Katongole emphasised that the journey undertaken by Rotarians, Ugandans and the global community should not be in vain, as they are constructing a cancer centre.

He noted that despite progress, many Ugandans continue to lose their lives to cancer, with the need far greater than the available resources.

“This year, our mission is very clear, and we are starting on the competition of the cancer banker centre in Nsambya hospital. The bankers will house three accelerator machines, advanced radiotherapy, and offer world-class treatment with minimal side effects,” Katongole revealed.

He explained that training has already begun for medical personnel who will operate the cancer machines.

Katongole also appealed to potential donors not to give up but to continue contributing.

“Cancer does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, young and the old. If you can still donate more than what you had earlier donated, please do,” Katongole said.

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Rotary Cancer Run Mini Pictorial

Typical of a marathon race, participants started arriving at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the run by 6:00 am. It was still dark, but most participants were already in Kololo, raring to go.

But before the run could start, there was a warm-up session to get their engines ready. At about 7:00 am, the runners, in their different categories, started being flagged off.

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Many Cancers, One run

The Rotary Cancer Run attracted the young and the old from all walks of life with one goal: equipping Uganda with a modern facility capable of handling advanced cancer treatment.

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A Day of Family and Fun!

It wasn’t just about the cancer cause; it turned into a vibrant family celebration! Runners arrived with their loved ones, friends, and even their dogs, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. The event was as much about togetherness as it was about the pursuit, making it a memorable day for everyone involved!

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Awarding time