By Aron Okotel
Hundreds of residents in Mbale City on Sunday joined the annual Rotary Cancer Run to raise awareness about cancer.
The event, which brought together residents, corporate organisations, Rotary members and other well-wishers, was also used to encourage Ugandans to seek early cancer screening and treatment.
Annette Nandelenga, Centenary Bank’s Mbale Branch Manager and guest of honour, said late diagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges in the fight against cancer in Uganda.
She said about 80 per cent of cancer patients are diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, when treatment becomes more difficult and chances of successful intervention are reduced.
“Cancer affects each and every one of us in one way or the other. One of the biggest challenges that we are facing as a country is late diagnosis,” Nandelenga said.
According to figures cited during the event, Uganda registers between 34,000 and 36,000 new cancer cases annually, with an estimated 22,000 to 25,000 deaths recorded every year.
The 2026 Cancer Run is raising funds to support the development of cancer treatment infrastructure at Nsambya Hospital, including radiotherapy services.
Nandelenga said Centenary Bank has contributed Shs500 million as part of its support for the fight against the disease.
