KABALE – The Kabale Municipality MP, Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga, has urged Ugandans to prioritize regular cancer checkups for early detection and timely treatment, emphasizing that prevention and maintenance are as critical as cure.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The legislator made the call while presiding as the Chief Runner at the Rotary Cancer Run 2026, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at White Horse Inn Kabale for all Rotary clubs in Kabale District.
The Rotary clubs in participation included the Rotary Club of Kabale City, the Rotary Club of Kabale Central, the Rotary Club of Lake Bunyonyi, and the Rotary Club of Makanga.
The district’s Cancer Run, part of the nationwide Rotary Cancer Run initiative, aims to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art Cancer Institute at Nsambya Hospital, a facility expected to revolutionize cancer care and treatment across Uganda.
Hon. Baryayanga reaffirmed Parliament’s unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer, revealing that legislative efforts are underway to secure two PET Scans for the country, critical equipment for the early screening and detection of cancer.
“Early detection saves lives. We must move from a culture of crisis management to one of proactive health maintenance. Regular checkups are not a luxury; they are a necessity,” the MP emphasized.
He charged organizers and other stakeholders to rally behind cancer treatment initiatives by continuing to organize such impactful runs, which not only raise funds but also foster awareness and community engagement in the battle against the disease.
The MP also commended the organizers for their dedication and urged other organizations to join the cause, noting that collective action is essential in addressing the growing cancer burden in the country.
Hon. Baryayanga revealed that the President is on track to increase the remuneration of health professionals, a move aimed at retaining skilled medical personnel within the country and discouraging brain drain to foreign nations offering better pay.
“Uganda must remain competitive in retaining its best talents. Our health workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, and they deserve to be compensated fairly and treated with dignity,” Hon. Baryayanga stated.
The MP further noted that health education institutions must prioritize the retention of top-performing students and transform them into well-trained professionals capable of mentoring others.
He stressed the need for robust training programs to ensure that all health practitioners are adequately skilled to deliver quality care, warning against a system that produces underqualified professionals unable to meet the demands of the job.
Dr. Paddy Mwesigye, President of the Rotary Club of Kabale City and lead organizer, thanked the community for their massive support, reporting that nearly 300 kits were sold and over 15 million shillings raised for the cancer institute.
He underscored that the Rotary runs are driven by a mission to safeguard public health, emphasizing that the initiative is as much about instilling hope as it is about mobilizing resources.
“The main objective of the Rotary Club runs is to run for a cause, to ensure the good health and well-being of the general population. We are not just raising funds; we are raising hope,” Dr. Mwesigye explained.
Drawing participants from every demographic in a remarkable display of community unity, the event rallied behind this year’s ambitious 5-billion-shilling national target for the cancer institute.
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