Speaking during the press launch in Muyenga, the Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje expressed Rotary’s gratitude for the awe-inspiring support from Ugandans and people from all over the world over for running virtually. He said that, “Like last year, the 2021 edition will be virtual. We continue to receive support from the diaspora, attracting some of the world’s greatest commendations for this Virtual Rotary Cancer Run 2021. Even more important is the fact that this year is a celebration of 10 years of consistently delivering this event.”
“The collections being made this year will be directed towards the construction of two bunkers at Nsambya Hospital that will be housing the 2 cancer testing and treatment machines we hope to import in the near future,” Mwanje emphasized, adding that, “Given the impact of Cancer on our countrymen and the region, the bigger picture for Rotary is that, upon completion of the setup of the cancer testing and treatment center in Kampala, we will continue to work with other players in this fight and reduce the cancer burden affecting our people. In addition to building of bunkers, we are also focusing on training of the medical staff to improve on their skills in cancer treatment.
In his remarks at the pre-run engagement, Fabian Kasi, the Managing Director Centenary Bank said that, “Centenary Bank has been part of the Rotary Cancer Run for 10 (ten) years, contributing close to Ushs700m in the period. In spite of the limiting circumstances, as a bank, we have contributed Ushs 50m million this year, on top of availing digital channels through which contributions will be remitted this time around,” he observed.
Kasi added that, “In as much as this year’s run is virtual, we must acknowledge that the fight against cancer is not over, and very many people still require our help to fight this disease. I therefore appeal to everyone here not to grow weary in this fight against cancer, but to keep hope and soldier on. Let us encourage all our friends, colleagues and families to keep participating and contributing toward this good cause.”
According to the 2018 Globocan statistics on cancer in Uganda, compiled by the World Health Organisation, indicate that 32,617 new cancer cases were recorded. Of these, 18,068 were female while 14,569 were male. The number of cancer deaths stood at 21,829 of which 11,819 were female and 10,010 males.
The trends also observed at the Uganda Cancer Institute indicate that almost 80 per cent of patients present the disease in advanced stages, hence limited interventions to prolong survival, an indication that the level of knowledge in the public and their perception of cancer, its symptoms, where to access treatment, and the care by the general practitioners is still low.
Since its initiation, the Rotary Cancer Run has attracted over 50,000 participants annually from Uganda, and the diaspora who have supported either through direct donations, charity drives, or by attending the run to raise funds to set up facilities for Cancer treatment in Uganda. In total, over Ushs. 2.5 billion net has been raised and many other forms of support in kind rendered to facilitate the fight against cancer in Uganda.
The 10th edition of the annual Rotary Cancer Run was sponsored by Centenary Bank and supported by New Vision, MAAD among others.
The run has so far achieved; a fully operational and equipped 36-bed cancer treatment centre at Nsambya Hospital worth UGX1.5 billion, countrywide and global participation, UGX2.3 billion collected after completion of the Rotary Cancer Treatment Centre in Nsambya, as well as confirmed a recent partnership with Uganda Cancer Institute who have also identified the Cancer Centre in Nsambya as the chosen Regional Centre for Cancer treatment
