CENTENARY BANK RALLIES UGANDANS TO SCREEN EARLY, FIGHT CANCER: Bank commits Shs500m to this year’s Rotary Cancer Run as campaign targets radiotherapy infrastructure and stronger access to cancer care.

Centenary Bank has called for greater awareness, early cancer screening and stronger community action as the Rotary Cancer Run campaign gains momentum ahead of this year’s race.

Speaking at a recent Rotary Cancer Run activation held at St. Francis Nsambya Hospital, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso highlighted the importance of taking action against cancer beyond the annual race, noting that the fight must begin with awareness, education, early detection and collective community action.

“The fight against cancer does not begin on the day of the race. It begins with awareness, education, early screening and our collective community action,” he said.

The call comes at a time when cancer continues to touch families across Uganda, with personal experiences shared during the activation highlighting the human cost of delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Byekwaso noted that many people only seek medical attention when cancer has already advanced, making awareness and early detection critical in changing outcomes. Through initiatives such as the Rotary Cancer Run, communities are encouraged to overcome fear, seek screening and pursue timely medical attention.

“Awareness is important so that people can go for treatment,” Byekwaso emphasised, highlighting the need to create an environment where people feel encouraged to talk about cancer, get tested and seek treatment early.

Centenary Bank’s involvement in the Rotary Cancer Run reflects a commitment to supporting the well-being of the communities it serves. The Bank has now supported 13 editions of the Cancer Run, contributing more than Shs3 billion to the fight against cancer over the years and taking part in over 300 health camps with Rotary across the country. This year alone, it has committed Shs500 million to the race, on top of more than Shs300 million towards other Rotary activities. The Bank noted that its role in society extends beyond providing financial services to investing in areas such as healthcare, education and community wellbeing.

This year’s campaign is focused on raising funds towards the construction of radiotherapy infrastructure, highlighting the importance of collective action in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system and expanding access to critical cancer care.

The Bank further emphasised that partnerships remain central to creating sustainable impact, with organisations and individuals coming together around a shared goal of improving healthcare outcomes for Ugandans. Every year, Centenary Bank sets aside a share of its net profit for corporate social investment; this year that stood at 2 per cent, close to Shs6 billion, supporting youth, women, refugees, children, the elderly and the business community.

“As a bank, we remain committed to partnerships that create lasting change,” Byekwaso reaffirmed, adding that it would continue its commitment to the radiotherapy initiative.

The Rotary Cancer Run activation therefore serves not only as a mobilisation platform ahead of the race, but also as a reminder that addressing cancer requires sustained action throughout the year. By encouraging early screening, promoting awareness and supporting critical cancer treatment infrastructure, stakeholders are working towards a stronger and more responsive cancer care system in Uganda.

Centenary Bank continues to encourage communities to join the collective effort against cancer and support initiatives that contribute to better health outcomes for individuals and families across the country. Byekwaso urged individuals, families, companies and institutions to sign up for the Cancer Run, buy a kit from a Centenary Bank branch, mobilise their teams and donate what they can. “I commend the Rotary fraternity for their relentless commitment, year after year. I invite every Ugandan to walk with us on this journey to run, to give and to care,” he said.