Centenary Bank, the leading commercial microfinance bank in Uganda together with Rotary Uganda has partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to rally Ugandans in the diaspora and well-wishers in other countries to participate in the 2023 Cancer Run.
This year’s run will be held under the theme: Run for Hope, at the Kololo Independence Grounds and in key cities around the world on August 27th 2023, to raise Shs. 2 billion, towards the construction of 2 bunkers that will house 2 LINAC cancer testing and treatment machines at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.
Announcing the partnership, Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs thanked Centenary Bank for embracing the contribution of Ugandans in the diaspora and foreign nationals towards the cause.
“This marks a milestone in our collective efforts to fight against one of our most formidable adversaries, cancer. Cancer is a scourge that has crippled many Ugandans in the country and many more in the diaspora. It is not only a Ugandan problem but a global challenge that is affecting millions of lives, across borders and nationalities. Today, we join hands in the fight against Cancer and call upon the community in the diaspora, to stand with us and support this noble cause,” Hon. Mulimba said.
According to the Kampala Cancer Registry, the top cancers recorded in Uganda are Kaposi sarcoma, cervical, breast, and prostate cancer. The high morbidity due to cancer in Uganda is mainly attributed to late detection.
Allen Ayebare, the chief manager Corporate Affairs and Communication at Centenary Bank, welcomed the collaboration citing the need for more hands to alleviate cancer. “The Rotary Cancer Run is not just a run but it is a cause that brings us together to raise awareness but most importantly find solutions and establish facilities that can help us detect, prevent and treat cancer patient,” Ayebare said.
“Centenary Bank extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for joining this fight and bringing along with them the millions of Ugandans in the diaspora. We also thank Rotary for sustaining this initiative for 12 years as we continue to fight cancer in our communities,” she added.
With the addition of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the list of partners at this year’s run has grown to six as Rotary Uganda looks to raise more money to fund their efforts to fight the prevalence of the disease in the country.
Hon. Mike Kennedy Ssebalu, the Past District Governor of Rotary Uganda District 9213 thanked Centenary Bank and the ministry for opening more doors through which cancer patients can benefit from the run.
“Rotary works in seven areas of focus and our entry point into fighting cancer is Disease prevention and treatment. We extend our appreciation to the partners who have joined us in this journey to fight against cancer. Specifically, we would like to thank Centenary Bank our platinum partners with whom we have walked this journey for 12 years. To all the people who will join us on the 27th of August 2023, your selfless nature continues to impact more Ugandans every day,” Hon. Ssebalu highlighted.
Registration for the cancer run costs Shs.30,000 and you can pick up your kits at selected Centenary Bank branches countrywide.