Running for Hope: Marie Stopes Uganda Joins Rotary Kitante to Beat Cancer

The momentum behind Uganda’s collective fight against cancer gained significant ground as the Rotary Club of Kitante officially presented 100 Cancer Run kits to the leadership and staff of Marie Stopes Uganda.

Rotary Club of Kitante President David Balikuddembe spearheaded the handover ceremony, which took place at the MSU headquarters in Muyenga. The Marie Stopes Uganda team warmly received the kits.

The event marked a powerful display of civil society and healthcare alignment under this year’s national theme, “Gwanga Mujje” (A Call to the Nation). By stepping forward, Marie Stopes Uganda emphasizes the vital intersection between reproductive healthcare and oncology—underscoring that comprehensive cervical and breast cancer screening, early detection, and preventative care are fundamental pillars of maternal and reproductive health.

Sandra Arinaitwe, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Marie Stopes Uganda, represented the Country Director, Dr Peter Dungu. In her remarks, Sandra said.

“Cancer prevention is an area where we already contribute through cancer screening as part of our broader wellness services. We provide screening for cervical and prostate cancer through our facilities and outreach services, alongside family planning, gynecological care, sexual and reproductive health services, and health education”.

“The good news is that some cancers affecting the reproductive system, particularly cervical cancer, can be prevented or detected early through regular screening and timely treatment. Partnering with the Rotary Cancer Run allows us to take the conversation about cancer prevention beyond health facilities and into communities.”

Commending the organization for its commitment, President David Balikuddembe praised Marie Stopes Uganda for championing community wellness and setting an exemplary standard for healthcare solidarity.
“We are deeply grateful to Marie Stopes Uganda for standing with Rotary in this important cause,” noted David during the handover.

“Their purchase of 100 kits demonstrates meaningful leadership in public health and enables their team to actively participate in the fight against cancer. Strengthening the link between reproductive health services and cancer care is essential to saving women’s lives, and we look forward to continued collaboration on shared health initiatives.”

The Rotary Cancer Program of Uganda continues to lead community mobilization efforts to bridge critical gaps in oncology care across the region. This year’s campaign aims to raise UGX 5 billion to complete construction and equip a modern Radiotherapy Center at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya. Once operational, the advanced facility will deliver accessible, world-class cancer treatment to thousands of patients across East Africa.

Key Event Details

Event: 2026 Rotary Cancer Run

Date: Sunday, 30th August 2026

Theme: “Gwanga Mujje” (A Call to the Nation)

Target: UGX 5 Billion for the Nsambya Hospital Radiotherapy Center

With the run scheduled for Sunday, 30th August 2026, the Rotary Club of Kitante urges corporate organizations, healthcare partners, and citizens nationwide to buy running kits, mobilize teams, and answer the call to defeat cancer together.