GSI-Kyabirwa Surgical Center screens 43 women as the Nile Cancer Run launches in Jinja

At the launch of the ninth annual Nile Cancer Run on Thursday, 1 October 2026, our team at Kyabirwa Surgical Center (KSC) provided breast cancer screening to 43 women. The day brought a practical reminder of what the run is for: helping people across Busoga seek care earlier and supporting those already living with cancer.

The Kyabirwa Surgical Center team conducts breast cancer screenings at Jinja Central Market, providing vital health services to the local community.

The run itself takes place on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Marathon kits cost UGX 30,000, and every kit sold helps fund cancer screening and patient support across Busoga. Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja has been the only specialized palliative care provider for all of Busoga, 11 districts, and more than 4.5 million people since it was founded in August 2005. Its Executive Director, Sylvia Nakami, said the hospice added prostate cancer screening to its prevention program this year. She noted that the response from men has been strong, with many coming forward to ask questions and get examined, a group the run had not reached in its first eight editions.

Men wait for prostate cancer screenings at the launch of the ninth annual Nile Cancer Run

Regional leaders turned out for the launch. Second Deputy Prime Minister Owek. Al-Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman, who also serves as Katukiro, or head of Partnerships, in Busoga Kingdom, said the kingdom is committed to the good health of its people and thanked Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja for its work. He called on individuals, organizations, the private sector, development partners, and philanthropists to join the run and help fund screening equipment for remote parts of Busoga, awareness campaigns in Lusoga and other local languages, and support such as transport, nutrition, and pain relief for the more than 1,500 patients currently under the hospice's care. The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Prof Grace Lubaale, and Rev Canon James Kivunke, Chairman of the Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja Board, also attended.

Owek. Al-Hajji Ahmed Noor Osman and Sylvia Nakami promote The Nile Cancer Run 2026 at its launch, highlighting cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Our head surgeon, Dr. Joseph Okello Damoi, urged people to seek assessment early. Finding cancer sooner can improve the options for care, although screening is only a first step and an unusual finding may need further tests.

What KSC is offering this October:

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support of Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, our Executive Director Anna Turumanya Kalumuna announced that throughout October, KSC will offer:

1. Free breast cancer consultations and screening

2. Free biopsies for any suspicious breast masses

3. 50% off surgery costs for surgical cases referred by Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja

Dr. Joseph Okello Damoi delivers his keynote speech at the launch of The Nile Cancer Run 2026, emphasizing cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Register for the Nile Cancer Run, or walk into KSC this October for a free breast cancer screening.If you have noticed a breast change or have questions about screening, contact KSC for an assessment. You can also support the hospice by joining the Nile Cancer Run on 24 October. Run kits cost UGX 30,000; ask Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja on 0771619991 how to obtain one, and the proceeds go directly towards screening, awareness, and patient support across Busoga.