The family of Ms. Rose Lutalo, a primary school teacher and choir member of Namirembe Diocese, has made an emotional appeal to the public to help raise Shs 70 million needed for her urgent, life-saving cancer treatment.
For over seven years, Ms. Lutalo, a Primary Two teacher at Lwagula Memorial Primary School, has bravely battled breast cancer. Despite undergoing 25 rounds of chemotherapy and a mastectomy under the care of specialists at the Uganda Cancer Institute, the disease has tragically resurfaced. In September 2024, doctors confirmed that the cancer had returned more aggressively, spreading to her uterus.
According to her husband, Ronny Lutalo, the illness has taken a severe toll on her health.
“She currently suffers from painful fluid buildup in her abdomen that prevents her from eating solid food. She survives mainly on liquids, enduring constant pain,” he said.
The family’s medical expenses have become overwhelming. Mr. Lutalo explained that one bottle of albumin protein costs Shs 280,000, and Ms. Lutalo requires up to five bottles every week — amounting to Shs 6 million monthly for albumin alone. In addition, she takes a chemotherapy substitute tablet costing Shs 76,000 per dose.
Although the Uganda Cancer Institute provides certain cancer medications for free, many essential drugs often go out of stock, forcing patients like Ms. Lutalo to purchase them from private pharmacies at high prices.
So far, the family has managed to raise Shs 9.2 million, a fraction of the Shs 70 million required to cover ongoing treatment, specialised scans, medication, and possible surgery.
Before her illness, Ms. Lutalo was a pillar of her community — known for her generosity, faith, and dedication to young people. As Head of Music, Dance, and Drama in Namirembe Diocese Sunday Schools, she mentored hundreds of children and inspired them through music and ministry.
“Even during her hospital visits, she found the strength to collect clothes and essential items to donate to fellow cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute. She has always been selfless and compassionate, supporting less privileged children — many of whom still live under her care. We are appealing to the public to help us give her another chance at life so she can continue serving the community she loves,” Mr Lutalo said.
The support can be directed to mobile money numbers: 0752002088 (Rose Lutalo) for Airtel or 0767268951 (Ronny Lutalo) for MTN.
