Uganda Commemorates February World Cancer Month

Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the February world cancer 
month. The commemoration in Uganda is being led by Uganda Cancer Institute in 
collaboration with civil society organisations under the Uganda Cancer Society
umbrella.

The theme for this year is Close the Care Gap. This theme compels 
stakeholders to do more to expand care and treatment as well as join hands to 
strengthen ongoing interventions, among others. Gap during this Month, two 
important days are commemorated.

The World Cancer Day held every 4 February 
and the International Childhood Cancer Day held every 15th February. These 
are very important days for us to take stock of what has been achieved, look at 
the exisiting gaps as well as commit to do more.
By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, 
collective and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world 
where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving 
cancer treatment and care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you 
live.
Current Status of Cancer in Uganda
The Burden of Cancer is increasing globally, and it is estimated that 56% of all new 
cancer cases and 70% of all cancer related mortality is in LMICs. It is estimated that 
Uganda has 34,005 new cases of cancer every year (GLOBOCAN 2020). Of these, 
an estimated 20% (7400 in 2021) of new cancer cases make it to the Uganda
Cancer Institute for care. Over 27,000 Ugandans do not access cancer care 
services.

The government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute is making 
investments to expand access to world class cancer care.
At the Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago Campus, the government has embarked on 
expansion of in-patient infrastructure that will see bed capacity of the UCI increased 
to 350 beds. In addition, a number of key machines and equipment have been 
purchased such as 3 high end Linear accelerators to support radiotherapy, a Single 
Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan as part of the upcoming
nuclear medicine facility.

The Institute has expanded diagnostic facilities through 
modernization of the laboratory and the oncology imaging divisions which boast of 
highly qualified personnel and high-end equipment.
With support of the African Development Bank, the UCI is also establishing a 
multipurpose research and training facility that will house a number of facilities 
including a 3T MRI, bone marrow transplant facilities, clinics and other patient care, 
training and research facilities.
In addition, the government of Uganda has embarked on decentralization of cancer 
care in Uganda with creation of regional cancer centres in Arua, Gulu Mbale and 
Mbarara.

The goal of these centres is to improve access to cancer care services 
from the current 20% to 85% by 2025/26. The Northern Uganda Regional Cancer 
Center started operations and is yet to fully operationalize.

The other three centres 
are operating at small capacity but expected to expand in the near future.
The Government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute is striving to make 
world class cancer care available to every Uganda where they live. We are running 
free cancer awareness screening clinics for to ensure early detection and early 
treatment under the Community Cancer Services.
All this is done to ensure that any gaps in cancer care closed and survival is 
improved.
Civil Society Support to Cancer Care
The Uganda Cancer Society has been actively addressing the care gap for cancer 
patients through a series of impactful initiatives. As a coordination umbrella of more 
than 45 civil society organisations, we are placing a significant emphasis on raising 
awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and demystifying myths and 
misconceptions. The cancer institute has conducted extensive awareness campaigns reaching 
diverse communities across the nation, ensuring that vital information reaches those 
who need it most. In addition to awareness efforts, also have implemented community 
outreach programs to serve underserved populations, providing crucial screening 
services and facilitating access to healthcare facilities.Recognizing the multifaceted 
needs of cancer patients and their families, the Uganda Cancer Society offers a range of support services. These include counseling, providing free accommodation, 
meals and transport to patients who need them, especially those from upcountry, 
and palliative care, among others. 
UCS also through its membership supports research to inform interventions in the 
country. This is because data generation aids planning in the country. Research has 
not only informed planning but also advocacy.

The advocacy efforts seek to drive 
policy changes that improve cancer care, including increased government funding for 
treatment facilities and enhanced access to essential medications. Through 
collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and 
international partners, we aim to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and build the 
capacity of healthcare professionals in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and palliative 
care.
As an organization committed to advancing cancer care in Uganda, we remain 
dedicated to closing the care gap and improving outcomes for all individuals affected 
by cancer. Through continued collaboration and concerted efforts, we strive to make 
meaningful progress in the fight against cancer and ensure that every patient 
receives the care and support they deserve.
We thank the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Cancer Institute and the 
Ministry of Health for the warm climate of cooperation and collaboration that has 
been extended to civil society organisations under Uganda Cancer Society! We can’t 
thank you enough! As partners, we pledge to continue engaging with government in 
the spirit of ensuring meaningful interventions in the country, which we belive will go 
a long way in terms attaining the ministry of health’s goal of a healthy and productive 
population.Said Christine Namulindwa Uganda Cancer Institute mouth piece.

About the Uganda Cancer Institute
Uganda Cancer Institute is a leading government entity dedicated to advancing 
cancer care and promoting excellence in patient care. We strive to foster 
collaborations, share knowledge, and drive innovation to shape the future of cancer 
care in Uganda and beyond. The Uganda Cancer Institute currently comprises five
campuses, the Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago Campus, which is the East African 
Regional Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care, Research and Training; The UCI 
Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Centre (GULU), The UCI Western Uganda 

Regional Cancer Centre (Mbarara), The UCI Eastern Uganda Regional Cancer 
Centre (Mbale) and The UCI West-Nile Uganda Regional Cancer Centre (Arua). All 
these centres work collaborative to provide access to cancer care services for 
Ugandans.