The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is making significant strides in the fight against cancer by expanding access to specialized treatment and investing in state-of-the-art technology.
As part of its commitment to decentralizing cancer care, UCI is establishing regional cancer centers across the country, ensuring life-saving services are more accessible to patients outside Kampala.
UCI has prioritized the creation of regional cancer centers to ease the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances for treatment.
The Gulu Regional Cancer Center, already operational, serves northern Uganda, providing diagnostics, oncology imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
Three additional centers are set to be built in the next financial year:
Arua (West Nile): Will provide cancer screening, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Mbarara (Western Uganda): Equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to improve cancer survival rates.
Mbale (Eastern Uganda): Will offer comprehensive cancer care, from early detection to treatment, reducing dependence on Kampala-based services.
“These regional centers will bring critical cancer services closer to the people who need them most,” said Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute. “We are committed to ensuring that no one is denied timely treatment due to distance or lack of resources.”
UCI has invested in modern treatment equipment to enhance the quality of cancer care. Notably, the institute has introduced Linear Accelerators (LINAC), which provide high-precision radiation therapy, particularly for breast, prostate, and head and neck cancers.
Additionally, UCI has strengthened its diagnostic capacity with modern pathology laboratories that conduct high-quality histopathological examinations. These labs not only improve cancer diagnosis but also support groundbreaking research into the genetic and molecular factors driving cancer in Uganda.
Despite these advancements, cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Uganda. According to Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, Head of Research and Training at UCI, the country recorded 36,000 new cancer cases in 2024, yet only 7,945 patients sought treatment at UCI.
“This gap shows that many people either do not know they have cancer or face barriers in accessing care,” Dr. Niyonzima said. “Through awareness campaigns, early screening programs, and the expansion of treatment facilities, we hope to change this and ensure that more Ugandans receive the care they need.”
Recognizing the unique needs of children with cancer, UCI has expanded its pediatric oncology services, establishing a dedicated unit with specialized care for childhood cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas. New chemotherapy protocols and targeted therapies are improving outcomes for young patients.
With continuous investment in infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, and research, the Uganda Cancer Institute is setting new standards in cancer care. The expansion of regional centers, combined with innovations in treatment and diagnostics, is bringing hope to thousands of patients across the country.
As UCI continues to lead Uganda’s fight against cancer, its efforts are making cancer care more accessible, effective, and patient-centered, ensuring better outcomes for individuals and families affected by the disease.
