Leading manufacturer and supplier of fast-moving consumer goods, Unilever has injected Shs130m to the Rotary Cancer Run 2023 slated for August 27 at Kololo Independence grounds. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the company’s offices located at DFCU Towers, Kampala.
Last year, Unilever made a Shs10 million donation towards the Rotary Cancer Run but this year they have augmented their package to nine figures as they come on board for a second year with the event set to mark 12 years.
The proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a cancer treatment facility that will house two bunkers at St. Francis Nsambya Hospital and Unilever’s package is a huge boost to the project.
“Unilever coming on board with a bigger package is a good thing. We are excited because Unilever is a household name and giving to this cause a welcome gesture and we believe we will do great things together,” said Lwevuze Joseph Kisaakye, the Rotary Cancer Run Chairperson, adding that; “our rallying call is that come 27th August, regardless of your location, be part of the Rotary Cancer Run.”
Michael Niyitegeka, the Rotary Cancer Run Vice Chairperson noted that; “we are already proud that the previous runs have contributed to the construction of a Cancer Ward at Nsambya that is already serving over 800 patients annually and a blood bank in Mengo Hospital that dispatches 1800 blood units per year. The Radio therapy center under construction will play an integral role in ensuring individuals across Uganda and the region have access to life-saving therapies for individuals across Uganda.”
For Unilever, the company prides in being part of this noble cause as they aim to ease the burdens of Ugandans across the country.
“Unilever believes in creating a bright future for all Ugandans which add vitality to life. By supporting this event, we aim to increase awareness about cancer, educate the public about prevention and treatment, and facilitate access to much-needed resources for cancer patients and their families,” said Wangechi Gitahi, the Marketing Manager, Unilever Uganda.
The Rotary Cancer Run 2023 will witness the main event happen at Kololo Independence Grounds, alongside regional runs spanning 40 districts, towns, and cities nationwide. With an anticipated participation of 50,000 individuals from every corner of Uganda, this event is set to mobilize the nation in support of the cause. Registration is currently open at UGX 30,000/= per participant, including a kit. The registration link is; http://tickets.ugandarotarycancer.org
The cancer run avails an opportunity for Ugandans to participate in a marathon whose aim is to improve health care and treatment for cancer in the country. According to the Kampala Cancer Registry data, the top cancers are; Kaposi sarcoma, cervical, breast and prostate cancer. The high morbidity due to cancer in Uganda is mainly attributed to late detection.
Through the Rotary Cancer Run, hospitals like Nsambya hospital are equipped with the machinery, and facilities required to wage war on cancer in the country. Uganda has the potential to become one of the countries with the highest cancer survival rate just like Australia only if we revamp and fully equip treatment centers for cancer.
The collections from this year’s cancer Run will be towards the construction of the cancer treatment center at Nsambya hospital that cost approximately UGX 11b. This year the target towards the construction works is approximated at UGX 2billion with over 50,000 runners and participants.
