By Gorette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal—–
As the people of Tooro continue to mourn the passing of their King, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, Rotarians in Fort Portal Tourism City and Kabarole district have held a cancer run in his honor.
The event brought together leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, financial institutions, media houses, and members of the community to raise awareness about cancer and mobilize funds towards improving cancer treatment services.
Assistant Governor of Kabarole Rotary Club, Ms. Isaiah Mayombo, has called upon the people of Tooro to remain calm as they mourn the passing of their King, saying some matters, including life and death, are beyond human control.
Rotarian for Kabarole District, Doreen Kakyo, revealed that the cancer run was also organized as a way of honoring the late King Oyo, who supported health campaigns during his reign.
She said the funds raised will contribute to the construction of a cancer treatment facility at Nsambya Hospital.
Meanwhile, Fort Portal City Woman Member of Parliament, Linda Irene Mugisa Nyinaabarongo, noted that Parliament has supported Rotary’s efforts towards cancer treatment with three billion shillings.
She noted that Parliament has also endorsed the establishment of regional cancer treatment centres to bring cancer services closer to communities, with the western regional centre planned for Mbarara.
According to Fort Portal City Health Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Mugisa, cancer remains a major public health concern in Uganda.
Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory, Dr. Mugisa revealed that Uganda registered 29,926 new cancer cases in 2024, translating to about 82 new cases every day.
He added that 18,205 people died from cancer in the same year, an average of about 50 deaths every day.
Dr. Mugisa said cervical cancer remains the leading cancer among women, followed by breast cancer.
He urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including eating healthy foods, engaging in regular physical exercise and going for routine cancer screening to enable early detection and treatment.
Fort Portal Rotary Club President, Nyakaisiki Jeffu, said that although the kingdom is going through a difficult moment following the death of the King, the Rotarians felt it was important to continue with the cancer run as a way of honoring his legacy.
The cancer run started at St. Mary’s Seminary, Kinyamasika, in Fort Portal Central Division and attracted Rotarians from Kabarole and Fort Portal Rotary Clubs, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, media houses, religious leaders, educational institutions and other partners.
The participants used the event to call for increased public awareness, early screening and healthier lifestyles, emphasizing that cancer kills, but many cancer risks can be reduced through prevention and early detection.