Rotary seeks Shs 5bn to complete Nsambya cancer centre

What the report says

Rotary Uganda is seeking to raise Shs 5 billion to finish construction and equip a specialised cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital, Nsambya in Kampala. According to The Observer, the project started in 2016 and is designed as a one-stop facility with space for two linear accelerators for radiotherapy, which would expand access to cancer care closer to patients’ homes.

The overall cost of the centre is put at Shs 13 billion. Rotary says it has already secured Shs 8 billion, leaving the remaining Shs 5 billion to complete the project. Meddie Lutaaya, a Rotarian and chairperson of the 2026 Rotary Cancer Run Council, said the current fundraising drive aims to draw at least 100,000 participants to help close the gap. He said the superstructure is nearing completion, after which the next phase will involve furnishing and fitting the facility.

The 15th Rotary Cancer Run is scheduled for August 30, 2026, and organisers say it is meant to support families affected by cancer. The Observer also reported that the campaign has attracted additional backing from Candlelight Property Services, which announced a Shs 20 million contribution and other support items. The company also said it would help people obtain land-title information, though that part of its announcement is separate from the cancer-centre project.