Yearly Archives: 2026

The launch, held at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds, brought together men and Christians from parishes across the Diocese, members of the Women’s Guild, clergy and other faithful. The Bishop led participants in a short run to mark the beginning of the campaign.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on stakeholders and members of the public to support efforts to acquire equipment for the early detection of prostate cancer, warning that the disease continues to threaten men’s health and family wellbeing.

Bishop Wanok made the appeal on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the launch of the Lira Diocese Men’s Run, an initiative organised by the Catholic Men’s Guild to promote prostate cancer awareness, encourage early screening and mobilise resources towards improving access to diagnosis.

The launch, held at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds, brought together men and Christians from parishes across the Diocese, members of the Women’s Guild, clergy and other faithful. The Bishop led participants in a short run to mark the beginning of the campaign.

The launch also featured the unveiling of the Men’s Run kit, with Bishop Wanok presented with the event’s green and yellow running outfit. Members of the Men’s Guild, dressed in their green shirts and brown trousers, also showcased the Guild’s uniform, highlighting the identity of the movement behind the initiative.

Bishop Wanok said the initiative seeks to raise funds to acquire equipment that would enable earlier detection of prostate cancer, particularly for men who cannot afford the cost of screening at existing facilities.

He noted that screening costs, which he estimated at between UGX 80,000 and UGX 100,000, remain beyond the reach of many families, forcing some men to seek medical attention only when the disease has advanced.

“Our aim is to get some machines to our hospital and to collect some money,” the Bishop said, emphasising the need to make early detection more accessible.

He called on men across the Lango sub-region to seek medical advice and establish their prostate health status, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Bishop Wanok also appealed to stakeholders who had received invitations, as well as others who had not been reached, to support the campaign, describing the fight against prostate cancer as an urgent intervention for the wellbeing of families and communities.

The Bishop further linked men’s health to family stability and development, saying that men and women both have an important role in building healthy families.

“If men are not there, the family is not balanced. And if women are not there, the family is not there,” he said, calling for continued investment in health initiatives that benefit both men and women.

He urged the public to support the campaign through prayer, participation and financial contributions, with the ultimate goal of enabling more men aged 40 and above to access screening.

Men’s Guild Calls for Broad Participation

Jimmy Bongo, the Coordinator of the Catholic Men’s Guild in Lira Diocese, said the movement seeks to strengthen Christian men’s formation through the patronage of St Joseph while providing a platform for fellowship, learning and mutual support.

He explained that the Men’s Run would bring men together to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen their participation in the Church, while also contributing to the broader goal of promoting men’s health.

Bongo called on people from different religious backgrounds and all sections of society to participate in the event, emphasising that the campaign was not limited to Catholic men.

“We are calling all people of God, all faith, whether Catholic, all Christians to join, the Muslims, and even our mothers,” he said.

He added that women, children, young people and other stakeholders were welcome to participate, recognising their contribution to families and society.

The Men’s Run, he said, would provide an opportunity for participants to unite around a common cause while promoting fraternity, solidarity and healthier communities.

Health Official Warns Against Delayed Screening

Hillary Okello, the HIV Focal Point Person for Lira City, expressed concern over the burden of prostate cancer among men in Uganda, calling for increased awareness, early detection and timely treatment.

Citing research, Okello said prostate cancer accounts for between 11 and 30 per cent of cancers affecting men in Uganda.

He identified cultural barriers, fear and stigma as some of the challenges that prevent men from seeking screening and medical advice.

According to Okello, many men wait until they experience complications before seeking medical attention, potentially delaying diagnosis and access to appropriate care.

He urged men, particularly those aged between 40 and 60, to seek medical advice about prostate cancer screening and embrace regular health check-ups.

His message reinforced the central objective of the Men’s Run: encouraging men to take greater responsibility for their health and seek medical guidance before symptoms become severe.

A Run for Healthier Families

The launch also featured a lively exchange between representatives of men and women during a mini-talk show moderated by one of the event’s masters of ceremonies.

The discussion centred on complaints that some men abandon their family responsibilities, prompting a heated debate between the two sides and leaving Bishop Wanok in stitches.

The exchange added a light-hearted but thought-provoking dimension to the event, bringing family responsibility into a campaign centred on men’s wellbeing and their contribution to family life.

The Bishop subsequently led participants in a short run, symbolising the beginning of the initiative’s activities ahead of the main event.

The Lira Diocese Men’s Run 2026, held under the theme “Run in Faith, Serve in Strength”, draws inspiration from 1 Corinthians 9:24 and seeks to bring people together in support of men’s health while strengthening solidarity across the Diocese and the wider community.

The main run is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds. The date was changed from November 28 to avoid a clash with the national cleaning day.

The Men’s Guild is calling on men, women, young people, Christians of different denominations, Muslims and other well-wishers to participate and support the campaign.

Through the initiative, Lira Diocese hopes to turn public awareness and community participation into practical support for early prostate cancer detection, helping more men access screening and protecting the health of families across the Lango sub-region.

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