Mukono Mayor advises residents against late cancer tests

By Mike Musisi-Musoke, Mukono

The mayor of Mukono Municipality George Fred Kagimu has urged residents to take cancer tests before detecting symptoms, to avoid seeking medical attention in advanced, costly and sometimes complicated stages.

Kagimu pointed out that cancer both in men and women has become a sensitive issue not only in Uganda but worldwide, adding that this has necessitated early diagnosis for subsequent early prescription.

He was on Thursday commissioning a two-day free medical camp at Mukono Health Centre, organized by the Rotary Clubs of Mukono and Mukono Central as an awareness gesture ahead of the Sunday 26th Cancer Run to be officiated over by the State Minister for Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala as chief runner.

Free medical examination and screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer among women, and prostate cancer among men, tuberculosis and HIV/Aids were offered, in addition to counselling on proper feeding habits at home.

The cancer run, running concurrently with similar arrangements elsewhere in the country, is geared at realizing shs 18bn/- for purchace of two linear accelerator (LINIAC) machines for cancer treatment at the Rotary/Centenary Bank cancer ward at Nsambya.

The mayor thanked the Rotary fraternity for helping Ugandans realize the need to kill cancer before it kills mankind.

The President of the Rotary Club of Mukono Henry Luzinda noted that they realized that awareness  of cancer and its effects is better empowerment than treatment when it has struck, and so embarked on a massive sensitization campaign involving the cancer run.

He said the run has traditionally been held in Kampala, but that it is being brought down to districts for a faster and far reaching effect.

He disclosed that while Gen Katumba Wamala is expected to be the chief runner, the Ssekiboobo (Mengo chief for Kyaggwe) Alex Kigongo Kikonyogo will be the guest speaker.