Uganda Child Cancer Foundation Receives UGX 100 Million from Gen MK Birthday Run

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has directed part of the proceeds from the recently concluded Gen MK 52nd Birthday Run to support the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation (UCCF), reaffirming his commitment to charitable causes and vulnerable communities across the country. 

The contribution follows the successful 10-kilometer marathon held on April 26, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under the theme, “Run for Charity, Run for Hope.” The event attracted thousands of participants from different walks of life and raised funds intended to support orphans, babies’ homes, and disadvantaged communities in Uganda.

As one of the selected beneficiaries, the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation received a contribution of UGX 100 million during a ceremony held on Friday at the Special Forces Command headquarters.

Gen. Kainerugaba, accompanied by his wife Charlotte Kainerugaba, officially handed over a dummy cheque to officials from the foundation in recognition of the institution’s efforts to support children battling cancer and their families.

The delegation from the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation that received the contribution included Dr. Racheal Angom, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist and Head of the Division of Pediatric Oncology at the Uganda Cancer Institute; Moses Echodu, the Executive Director of UCCF and a cancer survivor; Ezra Anecho, Deputy Executive Director; Priscilla Nambalirwa, Head of the Patient Support Program; and Elizabeth Nakamya, Finance and Administration Officer.

Speaking during the handover, Gen. Kainerugaba expressed admiration for the foundation’s work and its mission of creating a society free from childhood cancer through patient support, awareness campaigns, advocacy, research, and mentorship programs.

He noted that supporting children diagnosed with cancer and easing the burden on their families remains a noble cause that deserves collective national support.

The CDF emphasized that the contribution was made in the spirit of giving hope to young patients undergoing treatment and supporting the caregivers who often face immense emotional and financial challenges throughout the treatment process.

Foundation leaders also briefed Gen. Kainerugaba on their ongoing and future initiatives, including plans to construct a hostel near the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). The proposed facility is intended to provide accommodation for children undergoing cancer treatment and their caretakers, reducing the need for long and exhausting journeys to and from treatment centers.

According to the foundation, many families travel from distant parts of the country to Kampala seeking specialized cancer treatment for their children, yet struggle to meet basic needs such as accommodation, feeding, and transport during the treatment period.

The Uganda Child Cancer Foundation was established specifically to address the social and economic challenges faced by children battling cancer and their families. The organization supports vulnerable patients by helping cover critical expenses including transport, feeding, accommodation, and psychosocial support throughout the treatment journey.

Founded in 2006 and becoming fully active in 2021, the foundation has steadily expanded its outreach and support programs through partnerships with local and international organizations.

Among its major supporters are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Cambridge, institutions that have contributed toward strengthening childhood cancer care and support systems in Uganda.

To sustain its operations and expand support services, UCCF has also initiated fundraising campaigns such as the Cancer Run and Guardian Angel initiatives aimed at mobilizing resources for child cancer patients.

The Gen MK Birthday Run has in recent years evolved into a major charitable and social event, drawing participation from supporters, youth groups, security personnel, athletes, and members of the public. Beyond fitness and celebration, the event increasingly serves as a platform for mobilizing support toward humanitarian causes and community development initiatives.

Observers say the latest contribution to the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation is expected to significantly boost the organization’s efforts in supporting children undergoing cancer treatment, while also raising public awareness about the challenges faced by pediatric cancer patients in Uganda.

The donation further highlights the growing role of public figures and charitable initiatives in supporting healthcare causes and improving the welfare of vulnerable communities across the country.