Mityana Municipality Mayor Faustine Mukambwe Lukonge has urged the government to strengthen regulations governing the construction of communication masts, particularly in densely populated residential areas.
Lukonge said allowing communication masts to be erected close to homes and other populated areas could expose communities to radiation and potentially increase health concerns, including cancer.
He made the remarks on Saturday as thousands of Rotarians, residents and other well-wishers in Mityana District participated in the 15th Rotary Cancer Run.
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The annual event is part of a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at mobilising resources to support the construction of a modern cancer institute at St Francis Hospital Nsambya.
The proposed facility is expected to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment and care in Uganda, where health professionals continue to encourage the public to undergo regular screening and seek medical attention early.
Speaking during the cancer run activities in Mityana, Lukonge urged the government to take greater responsibility for regulating the location and construction of communication masts.
"Government needs to strengthen the regulation of communication masts, especially in residential areas. Communities need to be protected from possible health risks associated with exposure to radiation," Lukonge said.
He said protecting public health should remain a priority whenever infrastructure is established in communities.
The president of the Rotary Club of Mityana, Viola Biryomumaisho, said the fight against cancer should go beyond raising money through the annual cancer run.
She said Rotarians were also taking cancer awareness messages to communities to encourage people to understand the disease and seek medical attention early.
"The Cancer Run is more than just fundraising. We are also using this campaign to educate communities about cancer, encourage screening and remind people that early action can save lives," Biryomumaisho said.
Biryomumaisho encouraged the public to participate in cancer prevention and awareness activities, saying communities have an important role to play in reducing the impact of the disease.
Meanwhile, the president of the Rotary Club of Ssingo Mityana, Rct. Rev. Joshua Ssali, urged members of the public to make regular medical check-ups part of their routine.
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He said many lives could be saved if cancer and other diseases are detected and treated at an early stage.
"We encourage everyone to make regular medical check-ups a priority. When cancer is detected early, there is a much better opportunity for timely treatment and improved outcomes," Ssali said.
The 2026 Rotary Cancer Run attracted Rotarians and members of the public from different parts of the region, including participants from the Rotary Club of Mityana Ssingo, Rotary Club of Kabulasoke-Gomba and Rotary Club of Mityana.
Beyond raising funds for the proposed cancer treatment facility, the campaign also seeks to increase public awareness about cancer and encourage communities to embrace prevention, screening, early detection and timely treatment.
Organisers said continued community participation and awareness are essential in strengthening Uganda's response to the growing cancer burden.
