Cancer care in Uganda is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the decentralization of treatment services and the adoption of cutting-edge innovations. The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is leading this revolution by expanding access to care through regional cancer centers, introducing state-of-the-art treatment technologies, and pioneering research that is shaping the future of oncology in the country.
Through strategic investments in modern diagnostic labs, advanced treatment equipment, and pediatric oncology services, UCI is making high-quality cancer care more accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel, and improving survival rates.
For years, Uganda’s cancer patients had to travel long distances to Kampala, home to the only specialized cancer treatment center. Many arrived late in the disease’s progression; others found it difficult to continually make Kampala visits, reducing their chances of survival.
UCI is addressing this challenge by establishing regional cancer centers that bring diagnosis and treatment closer to communities, reducing travel burdens and ensuring earlier intervention.
Decentralization has been a game-changer for cancer care in Uganda, allowing patients in remote regions to access treatment without having to travel to the capital. UCI is actively constructing regional centers in key areas, ensuring that specialized care reaches every part of the country.
HE Tiffany Kirlew, Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the significance of this approach: “This is not just about treating cancer—it’s about bringing solutions closer to people. “When care is within reach, patients seek help earlier, receive better treatment, and ultimately have a higher chance of survival.
Each regional center is strategically designed to address the unique needs of its population while providing comprehensive cancer care.
- UCI Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Center (UCI – Gulu): Fully operational, offering diagnostics, imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care. It has significantly reduced the burden on Kampala’s main center by serving patients from the northern region.
- UCI West Nile Regional Cancer Center (UCI – Arua): Set to begin construction in FY 2025/26, this center will provide screening, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, ensuring earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
- UCI Western Uganda Regional Cancer Center (UCI – Mbarara): Also scheduled for FY 2025/26, this facility will serve southwestern Uganda with cutting-edge diagnostics and specialized treatments, increasing survival rates in the region.
- UCI Eastern Uganda Regional Cancer Center (UCI – Mbale): Designed to serve Uganda’s eastern region, reducing the need for patients to seek care in Kampala. Construction is expected to start in FY 2025/26.
Beyond decentralization, UCI is leveraging cutting-edge medical innovations to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Advanced technologies, including linear accelerators, molecular imaging, and genomic research, are making Uganda a leader in cancer care within East Africa.
Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) advanced cancer treatment through the introduction of high-precision medical technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes, ultimately improving survival rates. One of the most notable innovations is the use of Linear Accelerators (LINACs), state-of-the-art machines that deliver high-precision radiation therapy, particularly effective for cancers such as breast, prostate, and head and neck cancers.
UCI is also pioneering molecular imaging in Uganda with the introduction of an SPECT CT scan and plans to establish a PET facility, allowing for earlier cancer detection, even before symptoms appear. Additionally, molecular therapy is transforming cancer care by tailoring treatments to the genetic profile of a tumor, increasing effectiveness while reducing side effects.
Dr. Joyce Balikuddembe, a leading oncologist at UCI, emphasized the impact of these innovations:
“Cancer treatment is no longer just about fighting the disease—it’s about precision, personalization, and reducing harm. “These technologies are enabling us to diagnose earlier, treat more effectively, and improve survival rates.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective cancer treatment, and the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has made significant investments in pathology and genomic research laboratories to enhance both the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnosis.
Pathology labs, now equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, allow for precise tissue analysis, enabling early-stage cancer detection and improving patient outcomes. Meanwhile, UCI’s genomic medicine research is uncovering the genetic factors driving cancer in Uganda, paving the way for personalized treatments that target the disease at its root.
This research is pioneering new treatment approaches, ensuring that therapies are designed specifically for Uganda’s population rather than relying on imported Western treatment models.
Children with cancer require specialized treatment approaches, and UCI has made significant strides in ensuring that pediatric oncology receives the attention it deserves. The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is improving childhood cancer care by establishing a dedicated pediatric oncology unit staffed by specialists trained in treating cancers such as leukemia, lymphomas, and solid tumors.
This unit ensures that young patients receive specialized chemotherapy protocols tailored specifically for pediatric cases, enhancing both safety and effectiveness. Additionally, children have access to targeted therapies that minimize side effects while improving treatment outcomes. Beyond medical care, UCI has assembled multidisciplinary teams—including pediatric oncologists, radiologists, and psychologists—to provide holistic support, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of young cancer patients.
Beyond treatment, UCI has launched a Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program, ensuring that children who recover from cancer receive long-term follow-up care.
Dr. Agnes Kiragga, a senior researcher at UCI, explained the significance of this initiative:
“A child who beats cancer should not have to suffer lifelong complications. “Our survivorship program ensures they get the medical and psychological support they need to live full, healthy lives.”
A major milestone in Uganda’s fight against cancer was the launch of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) in 2024, a comprehensive framework designed to improve prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is leading the implementation of this strategy, ensuring nationwide expansion of cancer screening programs for cervical and breast cancer, increasing public awareness campaigns on prevention and early detection, and decentralizing cancer treatment services to make quality care more accessible. The NCCP serves as a roadmap for Uganda’s future in cancer care, striving to ensure that no patient—regardless of location—suffers due to a lack of access to life-saving treatment.
Decentralization and cutting-edge innovation are fundamentally reshaping cancer care in Uganda. By bringing treatment closer to communities through regional cancer centers, investing in technologies, and pioneering groundbreaking research, the Uganda Cancer Institute is transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated.
These advancements mean that more Ugandans are getting diagnosed earlier, accessing treatment faster, and receiving world-class care without having to travel long distances. With continued investment and collaboration, UCI is set to lead Africa in making cancer treatment more accessible, effective, and patient-centered, bringing hope and lifesaving care to thousands of families across Uganda.