Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has called on the newly appointed Board of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) to prioritise the expansion of cancer treatment services across the country.
She emphasised the urgent need to operationalise regional cancer centers in Mbale, Arua, and Mbarara to decongest Mulago National Referral Hospital and improve access to specialised care for patients across Uganda.
Dr. Aceng made the remarks while officially inaugurating the new Board of the Uganda Cancer Institute at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala.
The Board, chaired by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, comprises eight members drawn from various professional backgrounds. Other members include Prof. Isaac Karma, Mr. Lawrence Otim, Ms. Mary Philomena Okello, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima (Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital), Mr. Baguma Sabbiti, and Dr. Jackson Orem, who serves as Executive Director of UCI and Secretary to the Board.
In her address, Dr. Aceng praised UCI’s ongoing contributions to cancer care and research, describing the institute as a regional beacon of hope for patients battling cancer.
“The Uganda Cancer Institute is the face of many Ugandans and represents progress in cancer care across East Africa,” she said.
She expressed confidence in the leadership of the new Board and its ability to elevate cancer care to the next level. However, she noted that achieving equitable access to treatment remains a pressing priority.
Dr. Aceng underscored the need to fast-track the establishment of regional cancer centers to reduce the burden on Mulago, which continues to experience high patient volumes.
“We need to strengthen capacity and recruit more health workers to avoid overcrowding at major centers,” she said.
She revealed that significant progress has already been made in terms of infrastructure and equipment, including the installation of four linear accelerators and other advanced cancer treatment technologies.
However, she expressed concern that public awareness of these advancements remains low.
“There are many new services already in place, but unfortunately, very few people know about them,” she noted, urging the Board to intensify efforts to promote awareness and uptake of cancer services.
The Health Minister also encouraged the Board to foster collaboration and harmony in its operations, emphasizing that unity is essential in achieving UCI’s goals and ensuring that all Ugandans benefit from the institute’s services.
In conclusion, Dr. Aceng congratulated the Board members on their appointment and urged them to work closely with the UCI management team to fulfill their mandate of improving cancer care across Uganda.
“This Board has an important task ahead. I urge you to stay focused, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of our people,” she added.
The Uganda Cancer Institute, established in 1967, remains the country’s leading institution for cancer treatment, training, and research. The inauguration of the new Board is expected to usher in a new era of decentralised, accessible, and high-quality cancer care across the nation.