Rotary seeks Shs 5bn to complete Nsambya cancer centre

Rotary Uganda is seeking to raise Shs 5 billion to complete the construction and equipping of a specialised cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital, Nsambya.

The state-of-the-art one-stop cancer treatment centre, which began construction in 2016, is anticipated to accommodate two linear accelerators for radiotherapy, providing cancer patients with access to specialised treatment closer to home.

The project is estimated to cost Shs 13 billion. Rotary has so far raised Shs 8 billion, leaving a funding gap of Shs 5 billion needed to complete the facility.

Meddie Lutaaya, a Rotarian and chairperson of the 2026 Rotary Cancer Run Council, said this year’s campaign will seek to mobilise at least 100,000 participants whose contributions will help close the funding gap.

“We are looking at a minimum of 100,000 participants to raise a net contribution of Shs 5 billion, which will go a long way into getting the final stages of completion of the superstructure,” Lutaaya said.

He said the superstructure is nearing completion, after which Rotary will move to the furnishing and fitting stage, which is expected to require significant additional resources.

Under the 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run, scheduled to take place on August 30, 2026, organisers are seeking to restore hope among families affected by the disease.

The cancer campaign has also attracted support from Candlelight Property Services, whose board chairperson, Naome Justine Kabanda, announced a Shs 20 million contribution, alongside providing kits for the elderly and a land title to be awarded to the overall race winner.

She added that the company would support Ugandans seeking accurate information about land ownership. Kabanda said the company wants to make it easier for Ugandans, including those living abroad, to conduct searches and obtain reliable information about their land titles.

“We want people to search their titles. Even when you are abroad, you should be able to get true, updated information,” Kabanda said.

She acknowledged the government’s land information system but said accessing information can sometimes be difficult for members of the public.

“We are aware that the ministry of Lands developed a land information system, but sometimes to get that information is not straightforward. Candlelight will search for our population to help them get accurate title information, she said.

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