Kampala's Cancer Run turns 15, with a Radiotherapy Centre on the line
Thousands of runners took part in the 15th Rotary Cancer Run at Kololo Independence Grounds on August 30, an annual fundraising event aimed at completing a cancer treatment centre at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.
This year's run, themed "Ggwanga Mujje," set a target of raising UGX 5 billion and mobilising 100,000 participants. The organisers did not disclose in their statement how much was actually raised or how many people showed up, so it is not yet clear whether either target was met.
The funds are intended to complete and equip a cancer treatment centre at Nsambya, including bunkers for Linear Accelerator machines used in radiotherapy. Uganda has long faced a shortage of radiotherapy equipment and cancer treatment infrastructure, and the facility is meant to expand the country's capacity to treat cancer patients.
C-Care Uganda, a private healthcare provider formerly known as International Medical Group, served as the run's healthcare partner, providing first aid, emergency response and hydration support for participants. The company has partnered with Rotary on cancer awareness campaigns in past years, including community medical outreach events offering screening services.
Sheila Aboth, C-Care Uganda's head of brand and client experience, and Dr. Miriam Mutero Musinga, general manager of C-Care IHK, both spoke at the event about the importance of early cancer detection and the role of community fundraising in building treatment infrastructure.
The Rotary Cancer Run has been held annually for 15 years, with proceeds historically directed toward cancer treatment and awareness initiatives in Uganda. Organisers have not yet released a breakdown of how previous years' funds were spent or what proportion of the Nsambya centre's cost has been covered so far.
