Sixty-seven deaths every single day. That is the grim reality of cancer in Uganda, where roughly 25,000 lives are lost to the disease annually. To change this, Rotary is accelerating a nationwide fundraising drive to complete the country’s first specialized cancer hospital in Nsambya, Kampala.

The project is at a critical juncture. While Sh11 billion has already been secured for construction and the purchase of two linear accelerators, a Sh5 billion deficit remains. The facility is slated for completion by 2027, but the path to that finish line depends entirely on the success of this year’s mobilization efforts.

The Push for the 15th National Cancer Run

Rotary has turned its focus to the 15th National Cancer Run, scheduled for August 30, 2026. The event will be anchored at the Kololo Independence Grounds, with satellite runs occurring simultaneously across the country. Organizers are aiming to bridge the funding gap through the sale of running kits, priced at Sh30,000 each.

Rotarian Eng. Accram Nsubuga Nyanje, who chairs the organizing committee, is leading the charge. He views the hospital as a vital step in reducing the burden on patients who currently struggle to access timely, specialized care. “Let us all come together so that we can advocate for this cause,” Nsubuga said.

Beyond the initial construction, the financial requirements remain steep. Once the building is finished, an additional Sh50 billion will be needed to fully equip the center. It is a massive undertaking. Yet, Rotary officials remain optimistic, citing strong support from Members of Parliament, NGOs, and the private sector.

New Leadership, New Energy

To sustain this momentum, Rotary recently installed six new club presidents across the Teso sub-region. The ceremony, held in Ngora, served as both a leadership transition and a rally for the upcoming run. These leaders are tasked with spearheading local health awareness programs and resource mobilization.

Dr. Joseph Opul, the incoming president for the Rotary Club of Soroti Central, emphasized that the fight against cancer is inseparable from broader economic development. He linked the initiative to national goals, including poverty reduction and mindset transformation. “When people are economically empowered, they can afford education and contribute to tax revenue,” Opul noted.

Why the Stakes Are Rising

For many Rotarians, the mission is personal. Martin Moris Okolo, the outgoing president of the Soroti club, spoke openly about losing two family members to the disease. He argues that awareness is just as important as the bricks and mortar of the new hospital.

The organization is not stopping at the hospital project. In Teso alone, plans are underway to drill 25 boreholes at a cost of Sh625 million, further integrating health and community empowerment. The strategy is clear: improve the environment, improve the health, and build the infrastructure to treat those who fall ill.

Key Takeaways

  • The Funding Gap: Rotary needs to raise Sh5 billion to complete the construction of Uganda's first specialized cancer hospital by 2027.
  • The Event: The 15th National Cancer Run is set for August 30, 2026, with kits priced at Sh30,000 to drive donations.
  • Long-term Costs: While construction is the current priority, an additional Sh50 billion will be required to fully equip the facility once completed.

With the August deadline approaching, the focus now shifts to community participation. The success of the run will determine if the project stays on schedule. For the thousands of Ugandans waiting for specialized care, the next few months are decisive.