By Bob Kisiki

EVERY woman should check her breasts for signs of cancer, the president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has advised.

Miria Kalule Obote said those who discover lumps in their breasts should seek immediate medical care.

“Breast cancer is a silent killer. There is something none of you here knows about me – I am a survivor of breast cancer,” Miria said at the burial of Hellen Anokbonggo, wife to Kwania MP Prof. William Anokbonggo, in Apac on Tuesday.

Hellen Anokbonggo, a Ugandan of Hungarian descent, died of cancer last Friday.

She retired in 2002 after serving as commissioner for data processing in the finance ministry.

Miria noted that because breast cancer does not cause any pain until its last stages, many women suffer from it without realising that they have it.

She explained that she survived because she took a medical check. “Here I am, the president of the Uganda People’s Congress. I survived because I checked myself,” she said amidst sobs.

She also thanked the locals for voting for a UPC Member of Parliament.

“I hate politicising funerals, but I have to thank you for voting our person in Kwania. When we call upon you to campaign for us, do so, especially in Oyam.”

The Oyam South seat became vacant after the death of Dr. Okullo Epak recently. Campaigns for the June 12 by-elections have began with four people running for the seat.

“I urge you to join us. We are growing strong daily and will keep doing so until we take power again,” Miria added.