Cancer fight goes to the golf course

According to the World Health Organisation 2018 fact sheet, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and about one in six deaths are due to cancer.

It is for that reason that 140 golfers will take to the Kitante course on Friday to raise funds that they will pass on to the Uganda Women's Cancer Support Organisation (UWCASO) to continue the fight against the deadly disease.

Addressing the press at Kitante on Wednesday UGC Lady Captain Anne Abeja said they were targeting to collect sh100m from the 7^th edition of the Breast Cancer Fundraising Golf Tournament and other sources towards the cancer fight.

"The purpose of the funds this year is the purchase of artificial breasts or special bras for the victims," Abeja said.

She said there are different levels of sponsorships including of sh50,000/- for an individual, sh500, 000/- for a team of four as well as other categories of sh2m, sh5m, sh10m and as much as others can pay as long as they believe in and are ready to support the cause.

"It is going to be a short gun tee-off from all the holes on Friday and I would like to thank all sponsors who have come through to support this cause"

UWCASO CEO Gertrude Nakigudde, public relations director Judith Nakasi Serunkuma, breast cancer ambassador, Army Member of Parliament Evelyn Asiimwe, and Uganda Ladies Golf Union Secretary Wendy Angudeyo and CBA manager products e-channels and marketing Agnes Mubiru also attended.

Nakasi said they had come out to remind the public that the disease was still around and that there is something they can do about it.

"We are here as a testimony that you can go through it if you have it and that you don't have to wait to get sick but you can go for testing. We are joining the global efforts to increase awareness during the October breast cancer awareness month (pink October)," she said.

On her part, Nakigudde thanked the Uganda Golf Club for the opportunity to partner with them in order to increase awareness and to support the patients.

Mubiru promised more support for the worthy cause and to the ladies section saying:

"The sh1m will go straight to purchasing the special bras and the rest to the two teams that we have fielded in the golf tournament."

The Ambassador for this year's tournament, Asiimwe said there is a need for more sensitization of the public so that they seek treatment early and not take the disease as a death sentence.

"We have overwhelming numbers according to the statistics because of lack of sensitisation and lifestyle and I believe if we champion the sensitization we can reduce on the numbers," Asiimwe noted.