Health 27 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Boosts Rotary Cancer Run with Shs3 Billion, Totaling Shs10.2 Billion
Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against cancer by contributing Shs3 billion to the Rotary Cancer Run, pushing its total support over 15 years to Shs10.2 billion. The funds are earmarked for a new cancer treatment center. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4583/parliament-contribution-rotary-cancer-initiative-hits-shs102-bilion
Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, that Parliament has deposited Shs3 billion into the Rotary Cancer Run account. This significant contribution brings the institution’s total support to the initiative over the past 15 years to an impressive Shs10.2 billion.
The funds are designated for the construction and equipping of a vital Cancer Treatment Centre at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya. A key focus of this initiative is to address Uganda’s severe shortage of radiotherapy equipment, a critical need in cancer care.
Speaker Oboth, who is also a Rotarian, emphasized the non-political nature of public health issues, stating, “the burden of cancer knows no politics.” He personally purchased 300 running kits and urged fellow Members of Parliament to mobilize their constituencies in support of the cause.
“I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies and together we battle this burden,” he urged.
According to Rotarian Stephen Mwanje, Chairperson of the Uganda Rotary Cancer Run, Uganda currently has only three radiotherapy machines serving a population of almost 50 million. This is far below the international standard of one machine per million people.
Rotary aims to raise an additional Shs6 billion to complete the radiation bunkers by 2027 and install Linear Accelerator machines by 2028. The 15th annual Rotary Cancer Run is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with parallel events planned in 62 towns across Uganda and at Ugandan embassies worldwide.