Rotary, Vision Group in new strategy to mark 15 years of Cancer Run
The book will combine storytelling, powerful photography and data to capture personal testimonies of cancer survivors, families, Rotarians, medical workers, sponsors and volunteers whose lives have been touched by the programme, as well as the tangible infrastructure built from the runs.
From left: Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama, Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira and Rotary Cancer Run Board Chairperson Stephen Mwanje during a meeting at Vision Group’s head offices in Industrial Area, Kampala, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba).
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In commemoration of 15 years of the Rotary Cancer Run programme in Uganda, Rotary International, in partnership with Vision Group, has launched a Coffee Book production.
The strategy seeks to document the impact the initiative has caused to Ugandans.
The project, unveiled on Wednesday (September 23) at Vision Group head offices in Industrial Area, Kampala, will chronicle the journey of the Rotary Cancer Run from its humble beginnings in 2012 to becoming Uganda's largest philanthropic run, which has mobilised billions of shillings towards the fight against cancer.
The book will combine storytelling, powerful photography and data to capture personal testimonies of cancer survivors, families, Rotarians, medical workers, sponsors and volunteers whose lives have been touched by the programme, as well as the tangible infrastructure built from the runs.
Documenting 15 years of impact
During the launch, the Board Chairperson of the Rotary Cancer Run, Stephen Mwanje, said the Coffee Book is intended to preserve the legacy of the run and inspire greater participation in the fight against cancer.
“For 15 years, Ugandans have run, walked, donated and volunteered. They have done it in Kampala and across the districts, in the diaspora, in schools and corporate offices. This Coffee Book will document that journey – the tears, the hope, the lives saved, and the two cancer facilities we have built together,” Mwanje said.
He said the Rotary Cancer Programme started as a small community awareness run but has grown into a national movement that has contributed directly to the construction of the Rotary Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital and other facilities in the country.
“When we started, many thought cancer was a death sentence and not our business. Today, because of the Cancer Run, millions of Ugandans are aware; they go for screening, and we have infrastructure that is giving care. This book will show what collective action can do,” he added.
Rotary District Governor for District 9214, Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira, said the 15-year milestone is a moment for reflection and renewed commitment.
“The Cancer Run is Rotary's signature project in Uganda. It demonstrates the power of partnerships. The Coffee Book production strategy is part of how we want to tell our story professionally, preserve it for generations, and use it to mobilise more resources for the next 15 years,” Ddamulira said.
Vision Group partnership
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer, Don Wanyama, said Vision Group is proud to partner with Rotary to produce a world-class Coffee Book that meets international publishing standards.
“As Vision Group, we have been partners of the Rotary Cancer Run for many years as media sponsors. We have covered the runs, mobilised Ugandans and told stories of cancer. Now we are moving a step further to document this impact in a Coffee Book that will sit on tables in homes, offices, hospitals and schools and remind people that together, we can fight cancer,” Wanyama said.
He said Vision Group's publishing and printing arm will lead the production strategy, which will include content collection, photography, design, printing and distribution.
“Currently, we are sourcing for advertisers, government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, manufacturers, insurers, healthcare providers, universities, NGOs, SME’s and individuals to come together for this milestone event,” he said.
“Do not simply celebrate 15 years of impact; help create the next 15 years of it. We need sponsors to support the coffee book and become corporate buyers, featured partners and advocates for this resource to advance cancer awareness and early detection,” he added.
We have the capacity to produce a premium product. This will not be an ordinary book. It will be a collector's item with high-quality images, well-researched stories, infographics showing how much has been raised each year, where the money went, and the lives impacted. It will also be a tool for resource mobilisation,” Wanyama said.
The book will also feature a special section on corporate partners, including Centenary Bank, Vision Group, and other sponsors who have supported the run consistently over the years.
From left: Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama presents gifts to Rotary Cancer Run Executive Director Nelson Kabwami, Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira and Rotary Cancer Run Board Chairperson Stephen Mwanje during a meeting at Vision Group’s head offices in Industrial Area, Kampala, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba).
Front row: Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama (centre), Rotary Cancer Run Executive Director Nelson Kabwami (left), Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira (second left), Rotary Cancer Run Board Chairperson Stephen Mwanje (second right) and other Rotarians pose for a group photo during a meeting at Vision Group’s head offices in Kampala. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba).
Vision Group Editor-in-Chief Sidney Miria Babanga welcomes Rotary Cancer Run Board Chairperson Stephen Mwanje as Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama and Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira look on at Vision Group’s head offices in Industrial Area, Kampala, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba).
More than a Run
Executive Director, Rotary Cancer Run, Nelson Kabwami, said the Cancer Run has transformed cancer care in Uganda.
“Before the Rotary interventions, cancer care was concentrated at the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago, which is overwhelmed. Nsambya facility is already offering screening, chemotherapy and palliative care. The Mengo facility will offer radiotherapy, which is critically needed,” Kabwami said.
He said funds from the Cancer Run have enabled the purchase of specialised equipment and training of health workers.
“The Coffee Book will help Ugandans see that when they pay sh30,000 for a vest and run, that money actually builds a ward, buys a machine, pays for screening for a mother in a village. It makes the impact tangible,” he added.
Uganda continues to face a significant cancer burden. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Uganda recorded and estimated 35,968 new cancer cases and 24,629 cancer deaths in 2022 alone.