By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus-Members of the Rotaract club of KIU Main Campus joined thousands of Rotarians, Rotaractors and members of the general public in the 2022 Rotary Cancer Run that took place at Kololo ceremonial grounds in Kampala yesterday, Sunday 4th September 2022.

With immeasurable excitement, several people of different ages and nationalities turned up for the run as early as 5:AM on Sunday. The event kicked off with dancing and aerobics as runners warmed up for the grand fiesta.

Rotary International President, Rotarian Jennifer Jones flagged off the run at about 7:AM prompting ululations, smiles and as people took to the road for different distances. 21,10 and five kilometres a sigh of relief struck.

This was the first time the annual cancer run was being held physically following the outbreak of COVID-19 that condemned the event to virtual sessions in the past two editions.

 "We are happy the Rotaract club of KIU was fully represented. Led by our president Mildred Kwagala it was the first time our club dominated with young and energetic youths representing in big number," Maxwell Oliver, the administrator, Rotaract club of KIU noted.

"This run was very significant for us as a club and as individuals in a way that it helped define the cause for which Rotary International exists," he added.

Maxwell said that the Rotary Cancer Run was a motivational moment for him and his colleagues to see the whole Rotary family come together to run for a noble cause.

"As a club, we got an opportunity to create more bonds with other clubs and with different individuals within Rotary," he added.

Also present were two former presidents of the Rotaract club of KIU, Obed Atukunda and Evelyn Lumonya. Lumonya said that her participation in the run was motivated by the fact that Cancer has no friend and can't be identified by face.

She alluded, "Cancer doesn’t have a face until it’s yours or someone you know- Anthony Del monte.

"I am glad to have participated in this year's cancer run to support all Cancer patients in Uganda. All I want is to see a Cancer Free Country !!!! So until there is no more, I will continue to run!!," She said.

The rotary Cancer Run is an annual event organised by the Rotary Foundation in Uganda in conjunction with Rotary International. Its aim is to support the fight against cancer of all kinds in Uganda through the cancer ward at St Francis hospital, Nsambya.

The ward that was first handed to the hospital by Rotary in 2017 provides services that include cancer checkups, detection and treatment. Now, Rotarians are working towards making it accessible to all Ugandans at no cost.