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Tag: Rotary Cancer Run

  • Thousands turn up for the 13th Rotary Cancer Run in the fight against the global scourge

    Thousands turn up for the 13th Rotary Cancer Run in the fight against the global scourge

    Ugandans urged to prioritize healthy living, amidst the challenge

    Kampala: Centenary Bank, the largest commercial microfinance bank in Uganda, through its partnership with Rotary Uganda, yesterday convened over 50,000 runners for the 13th edition of the annual Cancer Run marathon at the UMA Parking Grounds in Kampala.

    This year’s Rotary Cancer Run, themed: ‘Spread Magic in Every Step’, aimed to raise Shs. 4 billion for the construction of two bunkers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, which will house state-of-the-art LINAC cancer testing and treatment machines. This effort supports the fight against cancer prevalence in Uganda.
    The event drew a significant turnout of over 50,000 participants from locations across Uganda and key cities worldwide, demonstrating a united commitment to this critical cause.

    During the Cancer Run, Centenary Bank’s Managing Director, Rtn. Fabian Kasi, expressed gratitude to Ugandans for their collective efforts in combating cancer. “Like every year, I am thrilled to see thousands of you join us today in the fight against cancer through the Rotary Cancer Run 2024.” For 13 years, he added, “Centenary Bank has been honored to partner with Rotary Uganda, many of our partners, and millions of Ugandans here and abroad, on this cause. As a responsible corporate citizen, we remain committed to making a positive impact through our Environment Social, and Governance initiatives such as this annual run.”

    With over 3,300 staff from 82 branches participating in the run, and a Ushs. 380 million contributions in both cash and kind, the bank reaffirms its commitment to completing the bunker. Urging other corporates to join us in this lifesaving effort, paving the way for expansion to other towns.

    Kasi further highlighted the bank’s ongoing support, “Each year, Centenary Bank allocates 2% of our previous year’s profits to support vital causes spanning our health, education, and environment sectors as well as the Church and Islam.”

    The run was flagged off by Joseph Balikuddembe, the Executive Director of Centenary Bank, who thanked Ugandans for their constant support towards the effort to eliminate the cancer scourge.
    “For 13 years, our united efforts have been a great stride in the fight against cancer. Your participation, generosity, and dedication have empowered Rotary and its partners to make a tangible difference. As we strive to reach more lives and create a healthier community, I implore you to continue this remarkable journey. Together, we can amplify the impact, accelerate progress, and end the suffering caused by cancer. Let us run with unity, run with purpose, and run towards a brighter tomorrow!

    In its 13 years of existence, the cancer run has managed to register over 30,000 runners annually and the number of runners continues to grow.
    Kasi, concluded by appealing to Ugandans to prioritize healthy living, recognizing its critical link to a successful battle against cancer. “Let’s remember that cancer is a universal threat, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Let’s continue to prioritize our health and well-being by making informed choices about the food we eat and the environments we frequent. Most importantly, let’s remain vigilant and supportive of one another, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that brought us together today. Together, we can create a safer, healthier world for all,” Kasi stated.
    The Cancer Run has made a profound impact in the fight against cancer over the past twelve years, raising a staggering Ushs. 4.36 billion. This remarkable achievement has led to the establishment of a 36-bed cancer treatment center, equipping the center with vital equipment worth over USD 150,000, and constructing two bunkers to house state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator cancer testing and treatment machines.

    Additionally, funds from earlier runs have made significant contributions, including the construction of the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward, at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, using funds from 2012-2014, and the establishment of the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital with Ushs. 200m from the 2015 run, and support for phase 1A of the cancer center’s (bankers) construction from 2016-2021.

    These accomplishments demonstrate the Rotary Cancer Run’s significant strides in combating cancer, and we look forward to continued progress and impact in the years to come.

  • Sassi Grounds Kira to host Cancer Run Launch 

    Sassi Grounds Kira to host Cancer Run Launch 

    On Saturday 5th August, all roads lead to Sassi Grounds Kira, 300m off Kira Roundabout down on Kasangati Road for the Cancer Run 2023 launch.
    This launch is organised by the Presidents of the Rotary Clubs in Kira Municipality and this Pre-run is specifically organised for the people of Kira Community to create Cancer run awareness by encouraging people to register for the Cancer run kit at 30,000 Shs.
    The proceeds will help build Radiotherapy Bunkers at the Rotary Cancer run Centre at Nsambya Hospital.
    The function will be graced by Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje, Rotary District officials, Rotary Club Presidents, Rotarians and Kira Municipal Council officials.
    The event starts at 12pm and for more details, please Contact:
    Gift Ann             0782418072
                                0753484087
    Daniel Omara    0772619528
    Meddie Lutaya  0772628567
  • Rotary Cancer Runners to keep Hydrated with Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water

    Rotary Cancer Runners to keep Hydrated with Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water

    Kampala; Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has joined hands with Rotary Uganda as a sponsor of the 2021 Rotary Cancer Run slated for Sunday, 29th August. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa will hydrate the runners with 800cartons of Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral that will be accessed from the different water points by the runners and also distribute sanitizer packs as part of the safety protocols.

    The Rotary Cancer Run 2021 is marking its 10th Anniversary in Uganda and targets a collection of one Billion (UGX1,000,000,000) shillings towards the alleviation of cancer in Uganda. To further commemorate the 10th anniversary, thecelebrations will continue for another nine days after the official run.

    Speaking at the event to announce their sponsorship, Catherine Gita, the Human Resource Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda commended the Rotary Cancer Run for their 10-year dedication to rid Uganda of this ailment and implored everyone to participate.

    “Our heritage in Uganda is not just pegged to being a symbol of refreshing hydration; it also includes decades of humanitarian causes either initiated or sponsored by us. It is therefore second nature for us to be standing here with Rotary Uganda and showing support by handing over Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water for the runners to remain hydrated and steady while on their running routes. I encourage all of us to participate in this worthy cause. Our employees and their families will be encouraged to run come Sunday.”

    Speaking at the event, Charles Odaga, the Chairman of Rotary Cancer Run 2021, called upon the public to join the worthy cause.

    “I invite everybody to participate because we have all been affected by cancer in our communities. Cancer is a huge problem in this country and the world over. Through this initiative, we are providing spaces that will help with the treatment and management of cancer. After the construction of the 36 bed Rotary Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital, we embarked on a much more ambitious project of bringing high-tech cancer treatment machinery into the country. The 2021 cancer run seeks to raise funds for the construction of bunkers needed for installation of linear accelerators at Nsambya Hospital by 2023,” he said.  

    According to a recent Uganda Cancer Institute management report, the number of cancer cases handled annually at the facility had doubled over the last five years, with children contributing 10 per cent of the new cases. The number of patients handled in 2015 stood at 4,000 but in 2020, it shot up to 7,400 and it is expected to rise further according to Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, the head of research at UCI. The increase is coming from high numbers of women presenting with cervical and breast cancer, men with prostate cancer, cases of lymphoma in children, among others.

    “Thank you, Rotary Uganda, for continuing to drive this initiative despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We know how important it is for Ugandans and Ugandans dealing with cancer. We admire the values that Rotary lives by: Service, Integrity, Diversity, Fellowship and Leadership all of which mirror Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Uganda’s values, in many ways,” noted Catherine Gita.

    “At CCBA we believe in leadership, collaboration, integrity, accountability, passion, diversity, and quality so as we stand here together, we are speaking the same language. Our employees will get involved because we, with you, are joined at the hip to do what we can to help our communities and save the lives of Ugandans. The Uganda Rotary Cancer Run is a great opportunity for our people to physically support and prove that we are in this together,” she concluded.

    The Rotary Cancer Run (RCR) started in 2012 as one of the major fundraising vehicles of Uganda Rotary Cancer Programme. It’s held annually to raise funds intended to bridge the gap in the fight against cancer. The government would need at least $5 million (18 billion shillings) to put up a specialized facility where all types of cancers can be treated within the country as opposed to going abroad where it’s more expensive.