Today marks a significant milestone in Uganda's fight against cancer as the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon and the Rotary Cancer Run announce their strategic partnership at a press conference held at the Cancer Run offices in Muyenga, Kampala. This collaboration is set to amplify efforts in raising awareness and funds to combat cancer, a pressing health issue in Uganda.
A Shared Vision for Health and Community
The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, celebrated for its promotion of health, athlete support, talent discovery, and climate change awareness, has found a powerful ally in the Rotary Cancer Run, a cornerstone in Uganda's cancer fundraising and awareness campaigns for over a decade. Together, these two events aim to maximize their reach and impact, uniting their resources and audiences for a common cause: the fight against cancer.
This partnership brings an exciting new dimension to both events. The Rotary Cancer Run, scheduled for August 25th – the day after the marathon – will feature the marathon's 5 km and 10 km routes through Kasese town, offering participants stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Additionally, runners in Fort Portal will enjoy a specially arranged route courtesy of the Rotary Clubs in Kabarole.
A United Effort Towards a Common Goal
The immediate objective of this partnership is to contribute to the establishment of a cancer center in Nsambya, Kampala, addressing a funding gap of Ug.Shs 9 billion. This year's Cancer Run aims to raise at least Ug.Shs 3 billion, with the participation of over 60,000 runners both locally and internationally.
Michael Niyitegeka, Chairman of the Rotary Cancer Run 2024, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "There are 35,000 new cases of cancer in Uganda annually, with 22,000 resulting in death due to late diagnosis. Our partnership with the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon is a significant step towards combating this disease and achieving our goal of establishing a cancer center in Nsambya by 2027."
Amos Wekesa, representative of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to join hands with the Rotary Cancer Run. Together, we can make a real difference for Ugandans' health and well-being. This partnership shows we're all in on promoting health and helping those affected by cancer."
Matilda Babuleka, Head of Beers, UBL, also highlighted the collaboration's potential, noting, "The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, known for promoting sports tourism and economically empowering the Kasese region, is joining forces with the Rotary Cancer Run, which has been instrumental in fundraising for cancer treatment and awareness for over a decade. By combining our resources and expertise, we are prepared to create a more impactful and meaningful experience for all participants."
Join Us in the Fight Against Cancer
We invite everyone to participate in this powerful initiative. Those traveling to Kasese for the marathon can further support the cause by getting a Cancer Run kit. Your participation and contributions will help us move closer to establishing the much-needed cancer center in Nsambya, Kampala.
Photos: Watsala Kenneth
