The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its dedication to national healthcare initiatives and global health diplomacy by joining the 15th edition of the annual Rotary Cancer Run.
The ministry announced its backing during a media briefing in Kampala, ahead of the national charity race scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Organized under the theme "Gwanga Mujje," the 2026 campaign is mobilizing resources to finance the construction of a specialized Cancer Centre at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.
Amb. Charles Ssentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary, stated that the foreign service has maintained continuous support for cancer eradication initiatives across Uganda and its diaspora missions.
"Tackling cancer requires concerted action, sustained investment and collective responsibility across all sectors of society," Amb. Ssentongo emphasized.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken up a Ruby Sponsorship package worth UGX 10 million.
The ministry has also secured running kits for diplomatic staff competing across the 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer routes.
The Chairman of the Rotary Cancer Run 2026 Organising Committee, Meddie Lutaaya, noted that the initiative has mobilized UGX 8.21 billion since 2012.
The charity event attracts more than 200,000 runners annually across Uganda and international chapters.
Over the years, the proceeds have funded more than 50,000 specialized cancer screenings during community medical outreaches.
The program previously allocated UGX 1.5 billion toward the establishment of the Mengo Blood Bank.
Amb. Ssentongo urged the diplomatic corps and the general public to turn up at Kololo in large numbers to support cancer patients, survivors, and frontline medical workers.
