By Immaculate Kisembo| August 31, 2025
A Call to Care for Life, and support the Mental Well-being and health of the many people battling with cancer
On August 31, 2025, as Rotaracter under the Rotaract Club of Makindye,I joined thousands of selfless people gathered across Uganda and beyond to participate in the 14th annual Rotary Cancer Run, under the deeply resonant theme: “Many Cancers, One Race.” I participated in this not just as a rotaracter but as somebody who is also concerned about how terminal illness like cancer affect the mental health of patients and those who take care of them. Of course this event isn’t just about running to complete kilometers and socialising with friends,it gave me a chance to reflect and hear from other people on what it truly means to stand in solidarity with those in most need of our care and just thinking deeper that hope is both given and worked for and all this is part what makes us true humans to feel for others and do even what we think is little but we know every little things adds value. I so much appreciated what I saw individuals and big organisations do in terms of selfless giving.
Rotary’s Cancer Initiative in Uganda: A Beacon of Hope
The Rotary International organization is making significant strides in improving access to cancer care and treatment in Uganda. With the Nsambya Hospital cancer center nearing completion, Rotary plans to establish regional cancer centers across the country, increasing access to life-saving treatment for thousands of Ugandans.
The Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital is almost complete, with over UGX 13 billion needed to finish the construction of bunkers and wards for modern cancer treatment machines. This project is supported by various partners, including Centenary Bank and USAID, highlighting the importance of collaborations in achieving their goals.
The annual Rotary Cancer Run has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for cancer care. With over 250,000 runners participating in the events, the program has mobilized approximately UGX 5 billion to support cancer care and treatment. The cancer run has also expanded bed capacity to 36 beds, offering more comfort and care for cancer patients.
Rotary’s plan to establish regional cancer centers will help reduce congestion at national facilities and ensure timely treatment for patients. This initiative will bring cancer care closer to rural areas, improving access to quality healthcare for thousands of Ugandans.
According to statistics, this year, the goal was to raise $1 million (UGX 3.7 billion) to support the construction of radiotherapy bunkers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, expanding access to life-saving treatment for thousands of Ugandans (Nile Post, 2025) and this was achieved.
The Bigger Picture: Mental Health and Environmental Responsibility
While the primary focus of the Cancer Run is to fight physical illness, it also sheds light on mental health, an often unseen but equally critical compo
nent of cancer recovery. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, individuals and their families face immense psychological strain, fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation.
For me by running and raising awareness, we stand in solidarity with their silent battles. Running becomes a metaphor for resilience, and the act of showing up communicates a powerful truth: no one should suffer alone.
As a leader in the Laudato Youth Initiative, we also recognize that health must be seen holistically not just as the absence of disease, but as the presence of well-being, community support, and a healthy environment. The connection between ecological degradation and public health, highlighted by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, urges us to see our care for creation and our care for humanity as one and the same.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Action
The 2025 Cancer Run was strongly supported by Uganda’s corporate sector, reinforcing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in advancing public health just by statistics from media reports;
- Centenary Bank contributed UGX 500 million as a platinum sponsor (Ug Bulletin, 2025).
- Krystal Water returned for a third consecutive year, donating UGX 550 million (Hariss International, 2025).
- USAID pledged $756,000 over three years to support cancer screenings for 216,000 people across 40 districts (Nile Post, 2025).
- UETCL contributed UGX 8.75 million, joining other organizations in acknowledging that fighting cancer is everyone’s race (CSN Uganda, 2025).
This collective support speaks to the powerful contribution of corporate organisations, in rising awareness that health equity, mental wellness, and environmental care are shared global responsibilities.
A Call to Holistic Action: One Race, Infinite Impact
The theme “Many Cancers, One Race” reminds us that while cancer manifests in various forms, our response can be unified. Fighting cancer isn’t just the responsibility of doctors, patients, or governments; it’s a shared journey where every individual can contribute by walking, running, donating, or raising awareness.
As we run for life, we also run for each other, our communities, and the Earth, our common home. This race doesn’t end at the finish line; it’s an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, mental health support, and community care. Let’s continue to run for life, for each other, and for the Earth, fostering a culture of care, compassion, and collective responsibility.
One Step. One Voice. One Race for All. Physically and mentally, we can make a difference. Let’s lace up our shoes, open our hearts, and run together toward a brighter, healthier future for all, where no one is left behind.
References
CSN Uganda. (2025, August 21). More corporate companies join Rotary Cancer Run 2025. https://csn.ug/2025/08/21/more-corporate-companies-join-rotary-cancer-run-2025/
Hariss International. (2025, August 30). Krystal Water commits UGX 550 million to support 2025 Rotary Cancer Run. https://www.harissint.com/media-details/KRYSTAL-WATER-COMMITS-UGX-550-MILLION-TO-SUPPORT-2025-ROTARY-CANCER-RUN-1
Nile Post. (2025, August 31). Rotary President Urchick launches 2025 Cancer Run. https://www.nilepost.co.ug/index.php/news/236085/rotary-president-urchick-launches-2025-cancer-run
Ug Bulletin. (2025, August 28). Centenary Bank contributes Shs500m to this year’s Rotary Cancer Run. https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/centenary-bank-contributes-shs500m-to-this-years-rotary-cancer-run/
