PARLIAMENT ANSWERS CANCER CALL! Speaker Oboth Delivers Sh3bn As Sunday’s Rotary Cancer Run Gains Momentum
Speaker Oboth poses for a photo with organisers of Rotary Cancer Run 2026 at the steps of Parliament
KAMPALA — Parliament has injected Shs3 billion into the fight against cancer, with Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth leading the institution in fulfilling a major national commitment towards the construction and equipping of the Cancer Treatment Centre at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya.
The Shs3 billion has been deposited on the Rotary Cancer Run account, taking Parliament’s cumulative contribution to the Rotary cancer cause to Shs10.2 billion over the past 15 years.
The Speaker made the announcement on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during the activation of the 15th Rotary Cancer Run at the Speaker’s Chambers in Parliament.
The Rotary delegation was led by Past District Governor and Uganda Rotary Cancer Run Chairperson, Rotarian Stephen Mwanje.
The activation, organised by Parliament’s Department of Communication and Public Affairs, brought together legislators, parliamentary staff and Rotary leadership, including Wakiso District Woman MP Betty Naluyima and Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula.
OBOTH: CANCER KNOWS NO POLITICS
Speaker Oboth used the occasion to underscore Parliament’s commitment to public health, saying the fight against cancer should remain above political and institutional transitions.
“When I came in as Speaker, I found that my predecessor had pledged money towards the centre,” Oboth said.
“While in politics we do not inherit pledges, the burden of cancer knows no politics. As Parliament, we have picked up this pledge and have accordingly deposited Shs3 billion to the account.”
The statement was met with applause, with the Speaker stressing that Parliament had chosen to honour the commitment because of the devastating impact of cancer on Ugandan families.
Oboth, who is himself a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, also demonstrated personal commitment by purchasing 300 Rotary Cancer Run kits and challenging MPs to mobilise their constituents to participate in the nationwide campaign.
“I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies, and together we battle this burden,” he said.
‘THIS IS A CALL TO SAVE LIVES’
Oboth said the cancer burden requires a collective national response involving Government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society and ordinary citizens.
He cited 2026 Global Cancer Observatory figures showing that Uganda records approximately 29,966 new cancer cases and 18,205 cancer deaths annually, while more than 59,662 people are living with a cancer diagnosis made within the previous five years.
The Speaker said the Rotary Cancer Run theme, “Gwanga Mujje” — “Nation Arise”, should therefore be viewed as more than a sporting event.
“The message of ‘Gwanga Mujje’ — ‘Nation Arise’ — is a powerful call to action,” Oboth said.
“It calls upon Government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society, and every Ugandan to arise and confront cancer as a national challenge. This is not simply a call to run; it is a call to save lives.”
He further challenged policymakers to look beyond the construction of cancer facilities and focus on equipping them with modern technology.
According to Oboth, Parliament’s responsibility includes supporting the acquisition of advanced radiotherapy equipment, including Linear Accelerator machines, to ensure Ugandans benefit from modern cancer treatment within the country.
“Our role as Parliament goes beyond financial support,” he said. “We must provide leadership, strengthen oversight, support appropriate legislation, and ensure that national resources respond to the health needs of our people.”
PARLIAMENT’S CONTRIBUTION HITS SHS10.2BN
Receiving the Shs3 billion contribution, Mwanje thanked Parliament for what he described as its sustained support for the Rotary Cancer Run over the past 15 years.
Mwanje revealed that Parliament had previously contributed Shs7.2 billion, meaning Thursday’s contribution pushes its total contribution to Shs10.2 billion.
He said Parliament’s support had played a major role in the Rotary cancer campaign, which has already delivered tangible infrastructure at Nsambya Hospital.
The previous campaign raised about Shs3 billion to construct a 36-bed cancer ward at the hospital.
However, Mwanje said Rotary’s current priority has shifted towards tackling Uganda’s shortage of radiotherapy equipment.
“Global statistics indicate that there should be a radiotherapy machine for every one million people,” Mwanje said.
“In Uganda, we only have three for almost 50 million people. This is a crisis.”
Rotary is now targeting Shs6 billion under a broader strategy aimed at completing radiation bunkers by 2027 and installing Linear Accelerators and other specialised health equipment by 2028.
OBOTH CALLS ON UGANDANS TO RUN
The 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The run will simultaneously take place in 62 towns and cities across Uganda, as well as in countries where Uganda maintains embassies or consulates.
Speaker Oboth called on Ugandans to turn up in large numbers and support the campaign.
“To every Ugandan, come and be part of the Run. Let us run for those fighting cancer. Let us run for those who have survived. And let us run in memory of those we have lost,” he said.
“And let us run for a healthier Uganda.”
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