The 2026 Rotary Cancer Run has been launched with Candle Light Property Services pledging Shs20 million and a land title towards efforts to improve cancer awareness, treatment, and care in Uganda.
The 15th edition of the annual run will take place on August 30 at Kololo Airstrip under the theme “Gwanga Mujje”. Participants will pay Shs30,000 for a running kit.
The campaign is built around four key areas: cancer awareness and screening, development of critical cancer infrastructure, medical training and strategic partnerships.
Speaking during the unveiling of Candle Light Property Services’ contribution, the company’s board chairperson, Naome Kabanda, praised Rotary clubs in Uganda for sustaining the cancer campaign over the years.
“Cancer is a very big problem in the country that concerns all of us. Against this background, we have decided to come on board. We shall make it a commitment every year to support this cause,” Kabanda said.
She also called on other individuals, companies and organisations to support the campaign.
Meddy Lutaya, the chairman of this year’s Cancer Run and president of the Rotary Club of Kira, said the annual campaign was started 15 years ago to increase public awareness about cancer and raise funds for better cancer services.
He said one of the major goals of the campaign has been the construction of a cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, commonly referred to as the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Centre.
According to Lutaya, the project is estimated to cost about Shs14 billion. He said the Rotary campaign has so far raised about Shs8 billion, leaving a funding gap of approximately Shs6 billion.
“We still have a deficit of Shs6 billion. I call upon people to contribute towards this cause. Even when you cannot personally come to Kololo, you can buy a kit and run from home,” Lutaya said.
He said the organisers expect people in more than 50 districts to participate in the run, with similar activities planned across the country.
Lutaya also thanked Candle Light Property Services for its contribution, saying support from businesses and individuals was important in helping Rotary advance its cancer-related programmes.
The organisers said the campaign will continue to encourage Ugandans to take cancer screening seriously and seek medical attention early.
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, with the country recording tens of thousands of new cancer cases every year.
The burden is also affected by limited access to specialised cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment services.
The Rotary Cancer Run is expected to raise both funds and awareness, as organisers appeal to the public to participate in person or support the campaign by purchasing running kits.
