The Rotary Cancer Runs were started in 2012 have since become an annual ritual. Since inception, billions of shillings have been collected but the million dollar question is, what has this money done to change the cancer status quo?
According to Henry Rugamba, the chairman organising committee Rotary Cancer run, they have been able to build a state-of-the-art 36-bed cancer treatment centre at Nsambya Hospital worth Shs1.5 billion.
“This money came from the first three runs (2012 – 2014), support from corporate organizations led by Centenary Bank (Shs240m over three years), Pepsi, Hima cement, National Housing and many others plus individual Rotarians,” Rugamba said.
Shs200m from the fourth run (2015) went to the construction of the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital.
The 2016 and 2017 runs focused on building two Bunkers and procuring two Linear Accelerators – same as the 2018 run that will take place on Sunday, August, 26 and according to Rugamba, the money is available in the bank.
“The 2017 run set new records with gross collections of Shs1.145 billion and a net of Shs772 million capitalising on the numerical strength of the 10thParliament where each MP contributed Shs1 million.”
With the construction of the two bunkers set to kick-off in November this year, participation in Sunday’s Cancer Run at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and in 33 other major towns across the country will for a noble cause.
Tickets are available at Shs20,000 at Capital Shoppers, Bulange Mengo, Rotary Office on 9th Floor NIC Building, Game Stores Lugogo, Centenary Bank branches and Airtel shops countrywide.