UPPC gives back through Rotary Cancer Run 2026
A vibrant sea of blue filled the morning air as over 100 runners from various Rotary clubs and corporate teams united in Entebbe for the Rotary Cancer Run 2026, organized by Entebbe Rotary Club. Over 60 staff members of UPPC participated in the run in an effort for UPPC to give back to the community through contributing to the ongoing fight against cancer. The UPPC team was led by the Director of Business Development, Rebecca Nyakairu and the president of the UPPC Entebbe FC, Sarah Nabirye.
The run, conducted under the theme “Gwanga Mujje” (Nation Unite), attracted participants from different parts of Entebbe who joined other runners across the country to raise awareness about cancer and generate funds to set up a specialized treatment infrastructure. At the centre of this year’s fundraising drive was the need to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to provide specialized cancer treatment. Proceeds from the run will support the Rotary Cancer Centre at St Francis Hospital, Nsambya.
Beyond the race itself, the campaign sought to keep cancer prevention and early detection in public focus, while directing resources towards treatment capacity. The participation of Rotary clubs and organizations also highlighted the role of collective action in addressing a health burden that continues to affect families across the country.
The event came days after the death of the Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at the age of 34 following a battle with cancer. His death brought renewed public attention to the disease and the importance of early detection, timely treatment and access to specialized care. Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, with thousands of new cases diagnosed annually as numerous patients seek treatment when the disease is already advanced. According to 2024 GLOBOCAN estimates, a global cancer statistics database, Uganda recorded a total of 29,966 new cancer cases in 2024, with prostate cancer being the most common type among men and cervical cancer the commonest among women. According to specialists, the main factor accounting for cancer-related deaths is late detection of the condition. Medical practitioners say that there are minimal, if any changes of recovery when cancer is detected while in advanced stages. This indicates that the public needs to learn about cancer, prevent themselves from probable causes of cancer and test for early detection while in early stages.
The Cancer Run seeks to address part of this challenge by taking cancer awareness beyond hospitals and into communities, encouraging screening, early diagnosis and healthier lifestyles. With over 100,000 runner kits sold out nationwide and more than UGX 5.6 million raised, the 2026 Cancer Run converted mass public participation into a significant fundraising effort for cancer care. The funds now place greater weight on the next stage of the campaign, which is translating public support into expanded treatment capacity for Ugandans facing cancer.
UPPC’s participation in the run is a testament to its commitment to community growth and improvement of the people’s lives. UPPC believes that through a collective effort, our communities can be made better to sustain healthy lives that can then contribute to individual and national development.