Katikkiro Mayiga: Good Leadership and Health Crucial for Uganda's Development

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga of Buganda has underscored the critical link between strong leadership, accessible healthcare, and national development. Speaking during a meeting with the organizing committee for the annual Rotary Cancer Run, Mayiga stressed that leaders must be attentive to the pressing issues affecting ordinary people, particularly their health.

“Good leadership is leadership that pays attention to the problems affecting the people,” Mayiga stated. “You cannot do other things while the health of the people has not been addressed if you want to achieve development.”

He lauded the Rotary organization for exemplifying good leadership through its focus on public health. Mayiga noted that such community-centered initiatives not only address immediate needs but also fortify institutions and foster greater responsiveness from leaders to the populace.

The Rotary Cancer Run, themed “Fighting Cancer,” is scheduled for August 30th at Kololo Independence Grounds. Meddie Lutaya, Chairperson of the organizing committee, highlighted cancer as a significant national threat, often detected at advanced stages, which contributes to high mortality rates. Rotary’s campaign aims to raise cancer awareness and encourage regular screening.

Rotary is also undertaking a major fundraising effort to construct a dedicated cancer hospital, an ambitious project estimated to cost Shs 14 billion. To date, Shs 8 billion has been secured, with the remaining Shs 6 billion to be raised through various means, including the upcoming Cancer Run. The hospital is slated for completion by November 2027.

This year’s event marks the 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run, anticipating 100,000 participants with a registration fee of Shs 30,000 per runner. The Minister for Health in Buganda Kingdom, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, expressed gratitude to Rotary for their ongoing support in advancing healthcare within the kingdom.

Source: Nile Post