Cancer Knows No Politics: Parliament Commits Shs3Bn to Rotary Cancer Run

KAMPALA, August 27, 2026 — Parliament has committed and deposited Shs3 billion towards the Rotary Cancer Run, bringing its total contribution to Shs10.2 billion in support of cancer treatment and infrastructure in Uganda.

The contribution will support the construction and equipping of the Cancer Treatment Centre at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya.

Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth announced the contribution Thursday during an activation of the 15th Rotary Cancer Run at the Speaker’s Chambers in Kampala.

The activation was organised by Parliament’s Department of Communication and Public Affairs and was attended by legislators, parliamentary staff and Rotary leaders led by Past District Governor Rotarian Stephen Mwanje.

‘Cancer Knows No Politics’

Speaker Oboth said Parliament had chosen to honour an earlier institutional commitment towards the cancer centre, arguing that the fight against cancer should transcend political differences and transitions.

“When I came in as Speaker, I found that my predecessor had pledged money towards the centre,” Oboth said.

“While in politics we do not inherit pledges, the burden of cancer knows no politics. As Parliament, we have picked up this pledge and have accordingly deposited Shs3 billion to the account.”

Oboth, a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, also purchased 300 Rotary Cancer Run kits and urged Members of Parliament to lead mobilisation efforts in their respective constituencies.

“I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies, and together we battle this burden,” he said.

The Speaker cited 2026 Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates showing that Uganda records about 29,966 new cancer cases and 18,205 cancer deaths annually, while more than 59,662 people are living with a cancer diagnosis made within the previous five years.

He described this year’s campaign theme, “Gwanga Mujje” — “Nation Arise”, as a call for government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society and citizens to collectively confront the country’s cancer burden.

“This is not simply a call to run; it is a call to save lives,” Oboth said.

Focus Shifts to Radiotherapy Equipment

Oboth said Parliament’s role should extend beyond financing physical infrastructure to ensuring that cancer facilities are equipped with modern technology.

He specifically highlighted the need for Linear Accelerator machines to expand access to advanced radiotherapy treatment in Uganda.

“Our role as Parliament goes beyond financial support,” he said. “We must provide leadership, strengthen oversight, support appropriate legislation, and ensure that national resources respond to the health needs of our people.”

Mwanje, who received the parliamentary contribution, thanked Parliament for its continued support of the annual cancer campaign.

He said Parliament had contributed Shs7.2 billion to the Rotary Cancer Run over the past 15 years. The latest Shs3 billion contribution therefore brings Parliament’s cumulative contribution to Shs10.2 billion.

According to Mwanje, previous fundraising efforts enabled the construction of a Shs3 billion, 36-bed cancer ward at Nsambya Hospital.

The campaign has now shifted towards addressing Uganda’s shortage of radiotherapy equipment.

“Global statistics indicate that there should be a radiotherapy machine for every one million people,” Mwanje said. “In Uganda, we only have three for almost 50 million people. This is a crisis.”

Rotary is targeting Shs6 billion under its broader strategy to complete radiation bunkers by 2027 and install Linear Accelerators and other health equipment by 2028.

15th Rotary Cancer Run Set for Sunday

The 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The run will take place simultaneously in 62 towns and cities across Uganda and in countries where Uganda maintains embassies or consulates.

Speaker Oboth urged Ugandans to participate in the nationwide campaign, saying the event should honour cancer patients and survivors while remembering those who have died from the disease.

“To every Ugandan, come and be part of the Run. Let us run for those fighting cancer. Let us run for those who have survived. Let us run in memory of those we have lost. And let us run for a healthier Uganda,” he said.