Health 16 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rotary Seeks Shs5 Billion to Equip Nsambya Cancer Centre
The Rotary Cancer Programme is fundraising Shs5 billion for its 15th annual Cancer Run, aiming to equip the new cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital Nsambya with a modern linear accelerator machine. This initiative seeks to significantly expand cancer treatment access in Uganda. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rotary-seeks-shs5b-to-equip-nsambya-cancer-centre-5560122
The Rotary Cancer Programme has launched its 15th annual fundraising campaign, targeting an ambitious Shs5 billion to complete and equip the new cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital Nsambya. A significant portion of these funds will be dedicated to acquiring a state-of-the-art linear accelerator (Linac) machine, a critical piece of equipment for radiotherapy.
This effort is a response to the pressing need for improved cancer care in Uganda, where an estimated 35,000 new cases are recorded annually. “Cancer has ravaged this country,” stated Mr Meddie Lutaaya, chairperson of the Rotary Cancer Run 2026. He highlighted that a lack of early diagnosis contributes to a high mortality rate, with approximately 80% of new patients dying within their first year of treatment.
The Rotary Cancer Run, initiated in 2012, has historically focused on raising awareness and funds for cancer treatment infrastructure. Previous initiatives supported the construction of a dedicated cancer treatment ward at the Nsambya hospital. The current campaign’s primary goal is to secure the Linac machine, which is essential for the operationalization of the new centre.
The ongoing construction of the one-stop cancer treatment facility at Nsambya is a substantial project, with an estimated total cost of Shs14 billion. Approximately Shs8 billion has already been raised, and the subsequent phase for furnishing and fitting the centre is projected to cost an additional Shs46 billion.
Comparatively, Uganda faces a severe deficit in radiotherapy machines. The World Health Organization recommends at least one machine per million people, suggesting Uganda needs around 45. Currently, only one functional machine is available at the Uganda Cancer Institute, underscoring the urgency of Rotary’s fundraising efforts.
Candle Light Properties Ltd has joined as a partner, contributing Shs20 million and a dummy land title which will be awarded to the winner of the cancer run. Organizers anticipate over 100,000 participants in this year’s run. The Rotary Cancer Programme addresses cancer through awareness, early diagnosis, treatment infrastructure development, and professional training.