Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Signe Winding Albjerg, will be among the top guests to grace this year’s edition of the Nile Cancer Run 2026 organized by Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja (RHHJ) slated for Saturday 24th October 2026 in Jinja City.
This was announced during the last preparatory meeting by the organizing committee held at the headquarters of RHHJ situated on Plot 18B Kiira Road in Jinja City.
Dr Margrethe Juncker, a volunteer medical doctor attached to Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja announced this saying the envoy is ready and willing to grace the annual noble humanitarian event.
The news was greeted with excitement and enthusiasm by members who include a team of selected media personnel including journalists, broadcasters and social media influencers from various outlets from the Busoga sub region.
This is because Denmark, the country of the ambassador, has a very robust health system characterized by high life expectancy, a strong universal care model reflecting high standard of living among the citizens.
Denmark consistently ranks among the top five health systems in the world. It runs on a tax-funded model where every resident has guaranteed access to primary care, specialist care and preventive services including free cancer screenings and vaccinations without financial barriers at the point of use.
The country has a life expectancy of 82.8 years and over 99 percent health insurance coverage. Its model is built on early detection, prevention and health promotion – the same principles RHHJ is promoting in Busoga.
Members hope that Ambassador Signe Winding Albjerg will use the opportunity to offer general guidance and insight to the Run participants who will also include local political, religious and cultural leaders.
The Ambassador is not new to Uganda’s development challenges. She has led major Danish initiatives including the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative worth USD 40 million and a climate adaptation program supporting rural communities.
The Executive Director Ms Sylvia Nakami also announced that the chief guest who will be chief walker is Owek Hajji Noor Ahmed Osman who is the Second Deputy Prime Minister (Katukiro) of Busoga Kingdom.
Owek Hajji Noor Ahmed Osman who is also the Head of Partnership at Busoga Kingdom has in recent years gained reputation for always sourcing for partners and also identifying with peoples-based activities.
This will not be the first time for Osman to get involved in the RHHJ-organized Cancer Run, because even during the launch of this year’s edition at the intersection mouth of Jinja Central Market where Aldina and Nizam Roads converge, he was the chief guest.
He was also the Chief Walker in the 2025 Edition of the Run making him one of the assets of anti-cancer campaigns, a disease that kills and affects millions in Uganda and globally.
It was also confirmed that the ever-busy Bishop of Busoga Diocese Rt Rev Prof Dr Grace Lubaale, who has already secured his kit and a boot will grace the run. The presence of the bishop sends a powerful message in a region where fear and misconceptions still prevent people from seeking screening. When a church leader publicly embraces the cause, it reassures communities that seeking care is an act of faith.
Rev Canon Kivunike Roots Run in Faith.
The meeting was also graced by Rev Canon James Kivunike, the Chairman Board of Directors of Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, who rooted the noble cause in faith.
Quoting Hebrews 6:10, Rev Canon Kivunike reminded members that their sacrifice will not go in vain.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them,” he said, citing Hebrews 6:10.
He said whatever is being done, and whoever is doing it – whether organizing, donating, running, walking, riding or mobilizing – will not go in vain before God.
“Your good works will surely be remembered by God,” Rev Canon Kivunike told the organizing committee, urging them to continue serving with a cheerful heart because they are serving humanity and God at the same time.
Partners who have contributed resources include Murchison River Lodge, Busoga Forestry Company Limited, Sanlam General Insurance, Bank of Uganda Jinja Currency Centre, Bank of Africa, Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA), Yalelo, Eniniro, Cavendish University, Abrah Supermarket, Kyabirwa Surgical Centre, Smart FM, NBS FM, Busoga One FM, Baba FM, Bridge FM and The Exposure Uganda (TEU).
Other partners are International Institute of Health Sciences, Jinja City Council, Jinja City Woman MP Hon Sarah Lwansasula, Hon John Teira Bugabula North MP and Hon Nathan Samson Igeme Nabeta. Other MPs and local leaders and the business community and schools are also expected to be part of the Run whose main purpose is to raise funds to treat and manage cancer patients in the region.
Benefits of running, walking and riding.
This year’s Run will feature three disciplines – 10km run, 5km walk and 15km ride – deliberately chosen because they are accessible and carry proven health benefits in the fight against cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
Running helps to control weight, regulate hormones and strengthen immunity. Excess body fat is linked to at least 13 types of cancer including breast, colon and cervical.
Running burns between 600 to 900 calories per hour and helps reduce inflammatory chemicals that fuel cancer growth. It also improves heart health, lung capacity and mental wellbeing by releasing endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety.
Walking, especially the 5km walk where cultural, religious and elderly leaders will participate, is equally powerful. Medical evidence shows brisk walking for 30 minutes a day reduces risk of breast cancer by up to 14 percent and colon cancer by up to 20 percent. It controls blood sugar, improves lymphatic circulation and is gentle on joints, making it ideal for survivors, beginners and older persons.
Cycling for 15km combines aerobic fitness with strength training. It improves lung capacity, lowers bad cholesterol and reduces risk of cancer mortality by up to 20 percent among regular cyclists. For youth and corporate teams, it is an enjoyable way to stay fit while supporting a noble cause.
In Denmark, walking, running and cycling are part of daily life. That culture contributes significantly to the country’s high life expectancy and low rates of lifestyle diseases.
Voices from the media.
Michael Muwanguzi, the Manager of Smart FM, an urban radio in Jinja City, who is preparing to run 10km, says he hopes to get a lot of cancer and health related information and news to enrich the radio’s programs.
“As a media house we need firsthand information. I want to interact with doctors, survivors and participants so that we enrich our programs with accurate health information,” Muwanguzi said.
Meanwhile, Ruth Nenteza Walusimbi, the Editor of Bridge FM, is on another planet assuring everyone that her 105kg weight will not deter her and she will at all cost also run 10kms.
“My 105kg weight will not stop me. I will run 10kms at all cost,” Walusimbi assured. She says through identifying with the Run and Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja she has gained a lot of knowledge and information which she will share with the audience.
“Since I started working with Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja I have learnt that cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination, that early screening saves lives and that breast self-examination is important. I will share this knowledge with our listeners,” she said.
Derick Kissa, another senior editor who has never run even 100 meters says he is so excited and is anxiously waiting for Saturday to exhibit his agility and resilience.
“This time round for the first time everyone will come to agree that I am actually one of the best runners in the entire Busoga sub region”, he was heard telling pals shortly after the meeting.
Their commitment demonstrates that the fight against cancer needs both physical action and information. When media personalities participate, they carry the message beyond the running route to thousands of listeners.
About Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja and cancer burden.
Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja is a specialized palliative care provider in Busoga sub-region and parts of Buganda. What started as a hospice offering pain relief and psychosocial support has grown into a centre for prevention and early detection.
In 2025, the organization cared for 1,579 patients and enrolled 874 new patients, made 8,844 patient contacts including 75 percent through home visits, and vaccinated 35,152 girls against HPV. It screened 4,090 women for cervical cancer and 3,557 for breast cancer.
By end of August 2026, it had already cared for 1,544 patients and enrolled 779 new patients this year.
This year’s target under the Nile Cancer Run is to screen 10,000 women for cervical and breast cancer, screen 5,000 men for prostate cancer and vaccinate 45,000 girls against HPV. The change from Fight Women’s Cancer Run to Nile Cancer Run was deliberate to include men.
Cancer affects both women and men. In Uganda, cervical cancer leads among women followed by breast, colorectum, esophagus and ovary. Among men, prostate leads followed by esophagus, Kaposi sarcoma, liver and colorectum. Among both sexes combined, cervical leads followed by breast, prostate, esophagus and colorectum.
Cancer does not only affect the individual. When a mother dies, children drop out of school. When a father is sick, family income collapses. Many families sell land and property to pay for treatment. Early diagnosis makes treatment cheaper and more effective, yet most patients in Busoga still report late due to misinformation, fear and poverty.
The funds from the Run will support screening, awareness outreaches and home-based palliative care. Running kits cost Shs 30,000 and are available at RHHJ headquarters on Plot 18B Kiira Road and at partner radio stations.
The 9th Annual Nile Cancer Run is slated for Saturday 24th October 2026 starting at 7:00am at Health First Gym and Fitness Centre in Jinja City.
