Hamza Mutebi, CEO of SWICO, presents a cheque to Meddie Lutaaya, Chairperson of Cancer Run 2026, in support of the campaign to raise cancer awareness and contribute towards the construction of cancer treatment bunkers
SWICO has renewed its partnership with Rotary International to support this year’s Rotary Cancer Run, as pressure mounts to raise funds for cancer awareness, treatment and care in Uganda.
The insurer announced a Shs15 million contribution and said it would also use its 21 branches across the country to help Rotary distribute Cancer Run kits ahead of the event scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at 6:00am.
SWICO Head Marketing, Sales and Distribution Manager, Ronald Jaggwe said the company was proud to back the initiative for the third year running, noting that cancer had become a growing public health concern.
“We are now at almost 35,000 new cases every year. I think we all know somebody who knows somebody who is suffering with cancer,” Jaggwe said.
He said the company would make its branches, including its head office at Bombo Road, available as registration and redemption points for participants.
“If you want to participate in this Cancer Run, please visit any of our branches, from the head office on Bombo Road, Sure House, Plot 1, all the way to Arua, Kabale and Tororo,” he said.
This year’s run is being held under the theme Gwanga Munye.
Rotary Cancer Run chairperson Meddie Lutaaya said the annual campaign, which began in 2012, was created in response to rising cancer cases and weak treatment capacity in the country.
He said the race was supporting the construction of a one-stop cancer treatment centre, including bunkers to house radiotherapy machines.
According to Lutaaya, the project is valued at about Shs14 billion, with about Shs8 billion already raised through previous editions of the run. The organisers now need another Shs6 billion to complete the superstructure.
He said the campaign had already helped establish the 36-bed cancer treatment centre at Mulago Hospital, support the completion of the Rotary Centenary Mulago Blood Bank and fund other cancer-related interventions.
Lutaaya said the blood bank now supports more than 1,800 units of blood each year for cancer patients, especially those battling conditions such as leukaemia.
He added that cancer treatment remains under pressure because Uganda has only one functional radiotherapy machine at the Uganda Cancer Institute, far below the World Health Organization recommendation of one machine per million people.
“Currently in the country we only have one functional radiotherapy machine. That means millions of Ugandans are not covered,” he said.
The organisers said the run remains one of the major platforms for creating awareness, mobilising resources and drawing attention to the country’s cancer burden.
They called on Ugandans to participate in the event and support efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term cancer care.
SWICO said the partnership reflects its commitment to community support and national health initiatives, adding that it would continue working with Rotary in the years ahead.
The insurer urged Ugandans to register through its branches and join the campaign in support of the fight against cancer.
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