The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has launched the 8th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run by breaking the ground for the construction of bunkers needed for the installation of linear accelerators at Nsambya Hospital.
A linear accelerator is a modern cancer treatment machine.
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Speaking at the function, Kadaga said more money is still needed to fund the cause for treating cancer.
“Through Rotary, we can ensure that Ugandans have access to modern cancer treatment right here in the country. I appeal to everyone to support Rotary in ensuring that these bunkers are built and machines purchased and installed,”Kadaga said.
“Individual Members of Parliament have each contributed one million shillings each year for the past two years making a combined contribution of almost one billion shillings towards the cause and we pledge to continue supporting.”
She applauded members of the public for supplementing government efforts to provide and uplift health standards especially for the poor.
“I however appeal to you to think beyond Kampala where the construction of the bunkers and installation of linear accelerators are done,” she added.
Fabian Kasi, the Centenary Bank Managing Director, the company that has been funding the cancer run since its inception in 2012 said they will never waiver down on their support.
“ It is our conviction that the support we are extending to Rotary today will go a long way in making significant health gains in the communities within which we operate,” Kasi said.
He announced a Shs165 million contribution from Centenary bank toward this year’s Rotary cancer run.
“I appeal to everyone not to grow weary in this fight against cancer but rather soldier on till we conquer. Invite a friend to join in this noble cause and together let’s end the cancer scourge in Uganda,” he appealed.
Former Rotary District Governor Stephen Mwanje who is also chair of the Uganda Rotary Cancer Program said their plan is to construct a cancer centre per region.
“In our new strategic plan, we have committed to building at least five cancer centres across the country,” Mwanje said.
This year’s Rotary Cancer Run is expected to attract over 50,000 runners across the country to raise part of the Shs18 billion needed to construct bunkers and equip them with linear accelerators that help in cancer treatment.
Over Shs1.6 billion has so far been raised from three previous runs since 2015.
