Health
Parliament commits sh3b towards cancer run
Himself a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, Oboth personally purchased 300 running kits and rallied all MPs to take the lead in mobilising their respective constituencies.
Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth (centre) poses for a group photo during the activation of the 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at the Speaker’s Chambers. (Courtesy: X/@Parliament_Ug)
By: Vision Reporter, Journalist @New Vision
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The Parliament of Uganda has deposited sh3b to the Rotary Cancer Run account, fulfilling a national commitment towards construction and equipping of the landmark Cancer Treatment Centre at St Francis Hospital, Nsambya.
The announcement was made this morning (August 27) by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, during the activation of the 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at the Speaker’s Chambers.
The Rotary Cancer Run leadership was led by Rotary District 9213 Past Governor, Stephen Mwanje.
The meeting brought together key legislators, including Wakiso District Woman Members of Parliament (MP) Betty Ethel Naluyima and Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula, along with parliamentary staff and the Rotary leadership.
"Cancer Knows No Politics"
Speaking during the activation exercise, Oboth emphasised that institutional commitments to public health transcend political transitions.
"When I came in as Speaker, I found that my predecessor had pledged money towards the centre," Oboth stated, adding; "While in politics we do not inherit pledges, the burden of cancer knows no politics. As Parliament, we have picked up this pledge and have accordingly deposited sh3 b to the account."
Himself a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, Oboth personally purchased 300 running kits and rallied all MPs to take the lead in mobilising their respective constituencies.
"I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies, and together we battle this burden," he urged.
The speaker highlighted the urgent need for collective intervention, citing the latest 2026 statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), which indicate that Uganda records approximately 29,966 new cancer cases and 18,205 cancer deaths annually, with over 59,662 people currently living with a cancer diagnosis made within the last five years.
"The message of 'Gwanga Mujje' (Nation Arise) is a powerful call to action," the Speaker noted. He added; "It calls upon government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society, and every Ugandan to arise and confront cancer as a national challenge. This is not simply a call to run; it is a call to save lives."
He stressed that Parliament’s vision extends beyond funding infrastructure to securing advanced technology, particularly Linear Accelerator machines, ensuring Ugandans transition from constructing buildings, to receiving modern radiotherapy treatment.
"Our role as Parliament goes beyond financial support. We must provide leadership, strengthen oversight, support appropriate legislation, and ensure that national resources respond to the health needs of our people," Oboth added.
Himself a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, Oboth personally purchased 300 running kits and rallied all MPs to take the lead in mobilising their respective constituencies.
"I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies, and together we battle this burden," he urged.
The speaker highlighted the urgent need for collective intervention, citing the latest 2026 statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), which indicate that Uganda records approximately 29,966 new cancer cases and 18,205 cancer deaths annually, with over 59,662 people currently living with a cancer diagnosis made within the last five years.
"The message of 'Gwanga Mujje' (Nation Arise) is a powerful call to action," the Speaker noted. He added; "It calls upon government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society, and every Ugandan to arise and confront cancer as a national challenge. This is not simply a call to run; it is a call to save lives."
He stressed that Parliament’s vision extends beyond funding infrastructure to securing advanced technology, particularly Linear Accelerator machines, ensuring Ugandans transition from constructing buildings, to receiving modern radiotherapy treatment.
"Our role as Parliament goes beyond financial support. We must provide leadership, strengthen oversight, support appropriate legislation, and ensure that national resources respond to the health needs of our people," Oboth added.
Receiving the contribution, the Chairperson of the Uganda Rotary Cancer Run, Rotarian Mwanje, expressed gratitude to Parliament for its unwavering patronage.
Mwanje revealed that since the inception of the cancer run 15 years ago, Parliament had contributed sh7.2b towards the cause. With today’s sh3b contribution, Parliament’s total contribution now stands at sh10.2b.
Mwanje pointed out that while past runs successfully built a sh3b 36-bed ward at Nsambya Hospital, the focus has now shifted to bridging Uganda's severe radiotherapy equipment deficit.
"Global statistics indicate that there should be a radiotherapy machine for every 1 million people. In Uganda, we only have three machines for almost 50 million people. This is a crisis," he observed.
To solve this, Rotary seeks raise sh6b under a broader strategy to complete the radiation bunkers by 2027 and fully install the Linear Accelerators and health equipment by 2028.
This year's 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run—scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, will also take place across 62 towns and cities nationally, as well as in every country where Uganda maintains an embassy or consulate.
Closing his address, Speaker Oboth invited all citizens to join the nationwide movement this Sunday.
"To every Ugandan, come and be part of the Run. Let us run for those fighting cancer. Let us run for those who have survived. Let us run in memory of those we have lost, and let us run for a healthier Uganda," said Oboth.
Mwanje revealed that since the inception of the cancer run 15 years ago, Parliament had contributed sh7.2b towards the cause. With today’s sh3b contribution, Parliament’s total contribution now stands at sh10.2b.
Mwanje pointed out that while past runs successfully built a sh3b 36-bed ward at Nsambya Hospital, the focus has now shifted to bridging Uganda's severe radiotherapy equipment deficit.
"Global statistics indicate that there should be a radiotherapy machine for every 1 million people. In Uganda, we only have three machines for almost 50 million people. This is a crisis," he observed.
To solve this, Rotary seeks raise sh6b under a broader strategy to complete the radiation bunkers by 2027 and fully install the Linear Accelerators and health equipment by 2028.
This year's 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run—scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, will also take place across 62 towns and cities nationally, as well as in every country where Uganda maintains an embassy or consulate.
Closing his address, Speaker Oboth invited all citizens to join the nationwide movement this Sunday.
"To every Ugandan, come and be part of the Run. Let us run for those fighting cancer. Let us run for those who have survived. Let us run in memory of those we have lost, and let us run for a healthier Uganda," said Oboth.