District authorities say ten residents died from cancer and were buried within a single week, prompting renewed calls for a comprehensive screening programme and improved access to specialised care.
According to local leaders, the increasing number of cancer cases has exposed gaps in the district's health system, with many patients forced to travel outside Bunyangabu for diagnosis and treatment because of limited local capacity.
Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalenzi described the situation as alarming and called for an immediate government response.
"Losing ten people to cancer in just one week is a wake-up call. We appeal to the Ministry of Health to urgently organise a comprehensive cancer screening exercise in Bunyangabu so that people can know their status early and begin treatment before it is too late," Kalenzi said.
District Health Officer Dr Richard Obet said 18 cancer patients are currently receiving palliative care, suggesting that many cases are being detected only after the disease has reached an advanced stage.
"We currently have 18 patients on palliative care, which tells us that many people are reaching health facilities when the disease is already advanced. Early detection remains our biggest challenge," Obet said.
He said breast and cervical cancers are the most commonly reported forms of the disease in the district, with women accounting for the majority of patients.
Obet added that Bunyangabu's only Health Centre IV currently offers screening services for cervical cancer only, forcing patients with suspected breast, prostate and other cancers to seek specialised diagnosis and treatment at referral hospitals.
"Our screening services are limited to cervical cancer. Other suspected cancer cases have to be referred to specialised facilities, and this often delays diagnosis and treatment," he said.
Bunyangabu Woman MP Sarah Kabarokole said the district urgently needs expanded screening services and public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to seek medical attention before symptoms become severe.
"We need government support to expand cancer screening services in the district. Early diagnosis saves lives, and our people should have access to these services closer to home," Kabarokole said.
The district leadership is now urging the Ministry of Health to organise a comprehensive cancer screening exercise to determine the prevalence of different cancers in Bunyangabu, identify possible risk factors and promote early diagnosis.
Health officials have also encouraged residents to undergo routine medical check-ups and cancer screening, noting that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.