Move for Her”: A dance workout event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer patients

28 October 2025, 5:14 pm

Byamukama Alozious

Survivors of breast cancer, under the umbrella body of the Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organisation (UWOCASO), have organized an awareness event named “Breast Cancer Awareness Dance Workout” scheduled for October 31st at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo under the theme “Move for Her”. The event aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for a patient support program and construction of a rehabilitation and skilling center (Home of Hope) in Mende, Wakiso district.

According to Joyce Namubiru, the Board secretary of UWOCASO, “The funds collected from the event will be used to construct a rehabilitation center that will provide a safe and supportive environment for cancer patients and their caregivers.” She added that the center will address a critical gap in the cancer care pathway in Uganda, where patients from rural areas often struggle to find safe, affordable housing near the Uganda Cancer Institute, leading to treatment disruptions and added stress.

During the press conference in Kampala, Tayebwa Mercy, the Board chairperson stated that breast cancer is a significant health concern in Uganda, accounting for 8.3% of all cancers in the country and ranking 2nd in women. It’s most common among young women aged between 35-45 years, at the peak of their career development.

According to Globocan 2022, Uganda recorded 2999 new cases and 1560 deaths due to breast cancer in 2022. Alarmingly, over 75% of breast cancer patients in Uganda present with late disease (stage III or IV), resulting in a 5-year survival rate of 56%, compared to 90% in the United States of America.

Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, noted, “Each year, Uganda records more than 4,000 new cases of breast cancer. Breast cancers are curable with early detection and timely treatment.”

The rehabilitation and skilling center (Home of Hope) will provide a haven for women, ensuring continuity of care and a supportive community environment. According to Mercy, a Breast cancer survivor for 20 years, “The new facility will provide a haven for women, ensuring continuity of care and a supportive community environment. Beyond lodging, the home will be the hub for UWOCASO’s existing programs, which include breast health education, skilling, counseling, and advocacy.”

The event will feature free breast cancer screenings, awareness talks hosted by experts, survivor testimonies, and exciting dance workout sessions. UWOCASO is collaborating with various partners, including the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Cancer Society, thx 22, HerStory256 , Mama fm, Uganda cancer society and several others to make this event a success.

To get involved, one can purchase a kit at Ush.30,000/=, donate directly to the campaign, or sponsor the event. Businesses and organizations can partner with UWOCASO to sponsor the event and make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients.