Speaker Oboth poses with for a photo with the organisers of the Cancer run at the steps of ParliamentThe Parliament of Uganda has deposited Shs 3 billion to the Rotary Cancer Run account, fulfilling a national commitment towards the construction and equipping of the landmark Cancer Treatment Centre at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya.The announcement was made this morning by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, during a meeting the activation of the 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run activation for parliament at the Speaker’s Chambers.The Rotary Cancer Run leadership was led by Past District Governor Rotarian Stephen Mwanje.The meeting brought together key legislators, including Wakiso District Woman MP Hon. Betty Naluyima and Jinja City Woman MP Hon. Sarah Lwansasula, along with parliamentary staff and Rotary leadership.“Cancer Knows No Politics”Speaking during the activation exercise organized by the Department of Communication and Public Affairs, Rt. Hon. Oboth emphasized that institutional commitments to public health transcend political transitions.“When I came in as Speaker, I found that my predecessor had pledged money towards the centre,” Speaker Oboth stated to loud applause. “While in politics we do not inherit pledges, the burden of cancer knows no politics. As Parliament, we have picked up this pledge and have accordingly deposited Shs 3 billion to the account.”Speaker Oboth, himself a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kampala Platinum, personally purchased 300 running kits and rallied all Members of Parliament to take the lead in mobilizing their respective constituencies.“I call upon colleague MPs to do the same, lead the entire population in their constituencies, and together we battle this burden,” he urged.Addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Oboth highlighted the urgent need for collective intervention, citing the latest 2026 statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN).The figures indicate that Uganda records approximately 29,966 new cancer cases and 18,205 cancer deaths annually, with over 59,662 people currently living with a cancer diagnosis made within the last five years.“The message of ‘Gwanga Mujje’ — ‘Nation Arise’ — is a powerful call to action,” the Speaker noted. “It calls upon Government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society, and every Ugandan to arise and confront cancer as a national challenge. This is not simply a call to run; it is a call to save lives.”He stressed that Parliament’s vision extends beyond funding infrastructure to securing advanced technology, particularly Linear Accelerator machines, ensuring Ugandans transition from constructing buildings to receiving modern radiotherapy treatment.“Our role as Parliament goes beyond financial support,” Oboth added. “We must provide leadership, strengthen oversight, support appropriate legislation, and ensure that national resources respond to the health needs of our people.”Receiving the contribution, the Chairperson of the Uganda Rotary Cancer Run, Rotarian Stephen Mwanje, expressed gratitude to Parliament for its unwavering patronage.Mwanje revealed that since inception 15 years ago, Parliament had contributed Shs 7.2 billion to the cause. With today’s Shs 3 billion deposit, Parliament’s total contribution now stands at Shs 10.2 billion.Mwanje pointed out that while past runs successfully built a Shs 3 billion 36-bed ward at Nsambya Hospital, the focus has now shifted to bridging Uganda’s severe radiotherapy equipment deficit.“Global statistics indicate that there should be a radiotherapy machine for every 1 million people,” Mwanje explained. “In Uganda, we only have three for almost 50 million people. This is a crisis.”To solve this, Rotary aims to raise Shs 6 billion under a broader strategy to complete the radiation bunkers by 2027 and fully install the Linear Accelerators and health equipment by 2028.This year’s 15th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run—scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds—will take place across 62 towns and cities nationally, as well as in every country where Uganda maintains an embassy or consulate.Closing his address, Speaker Oboth invited all citizens to join the nationwide movement this Sunday.“To every Ugandan, come and be part of the Run. Let us run for those fighting cancer. Let us run for those who have survived. Let us run in memory of those we have lost. And let us run for a healthier Uganda.” The post Parliament Commits Shs 3 Billion to Rotary Cancer Run, Cementing Shs 10.2 Billion Total Partnership appeared first on Business Focus.