Kampala, August 24, 2026 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s fight against cancer, pledging UGX 10 million and mobilising Uganda’s diplomatic missions worldwide to participate in the 15th Edition of the Rotary Cancer Run.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary during a media activation in Kampala, Amb. Charles Ssentongo said the Ministry considers the Cancer Run an important platform for advancing public awareness, mobilising resources and strengthening health diplomacy.
Ssentongo said cancer has affected many families and members of the Ministry community, making participation in the initiative both a national responsibility and a personal cause for many staff.
“Starting within the ministry, I think each and every one here either has a relative, besides the staff members we have lost over cancer. So when such a cause comes up, we are always at hand to be part of it,” he said.
The Ministry has committed UGX 10 million to the 2026 Cancer Run and has also mobilised staff and Uganda’s Missions Abroad to participate in the event.
According to Ssentongo, several missions have already purchased running kits, with participation expected from diplomatic missions and Ugandans across different parts of the world.
Among the missions that have confirmed kit purchases are Berlin with 50 kits, Beijing with 84, Guangzhou with 50, Geneva with 100, Nairobi with 100, Paris with 200, Tehran with 50 and Cairo with 150 kits.
He said other missions were expected to announce their participation before the Run.
The diplomatic mobilisation will result in a global relay of activities, with Uganda’s missions organising mini-runs in their respective host countries.
“The ones in East Africa will be running with us. The ones in the US will be eight hours behind. The ones in Asia will be eight hours ahead. So, you are going to see a global activity from our missions,” Ssentongo said.
The Ministry’s broader mobilisation effort includes lobbying development partners and other stakeholders in countries where Uganda maintains diplomatic representation to contribute towards the cancer cause.
Ssentongo described the initiative as an extension of the Ministry’s role in using its diplomatic networks to support national development priorities.
The 2026 Rotary Cancer Run, organised under the theme “Gwanga Mujje,” is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The Run is raising funds towards the construction of a state-of-the-art Cancer Centre at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.
Rotary Cancer Run Organising Committee Chairman Meddie Lutaaya said the initiative has mobilised UGX 8.21 billion since its inception, attracted more than 200,000 participants annually and facilitated more than 50,000 cancer screenings through community medical camps.
The campaign has also contributed UGX 1.5 billion towards the establishment of the Mengo Blood Bank.
Ssentongo urged Ministry staff, the diplomatic community and members of the public to participate actively, stressing that the fight against cancer requires collective responsibility.
He said the Ministry would continue working with Rotary, development partners, diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to strengthen awareness and mobilise resources for health-related causes.
The Ministry’s participation also forms part of a wider health diplomacy agenda, with Uganda’s missions abroad expected to use their platforms to amplify cancer awareness and encourage support for cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
Ssentongo encouraged participants to go beyond wearing the Cancer Run T-shirt by purchasing additional kits for family members and friends to help expand the fundraising base.
“Together we shall continue to run and make a comprehensive contribution to issues of health, including cancer and any other diseases which bedevil our society,” he said.
