By Walimbwa Moses
MP Kirumira Calls for Cancer Screening in All Government Health Facilities
By Walimbwa MosesLUWEERO —
Katikamu South Member of Parliament Hassan Kirumira Lukalidde has called on Government to extend cancer screening services to all public health facilities to promote early detection and improve patients’ chances of survival.
Lukalidde made the call on Sunday, August 31, in Luweero District while flagging off members of the Rotary Club of Wobulenzi who participated in the national cancer awareness run to mobilise support for improved cancer care.
“The Government should take cancer seriously by ensuring that screening services are available in all health facilities, especially Government hospitals, so that people can detect the disease early and get the right treatment,” Lukalidde said.
His call comes amid Uganda’s growing cancer burden. According to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), the country records about 36,000 new cases annually. In 2025 alone, UCI at Mulago recorded 8,764 patients, while health authorities estimate that between 80 and 87 per cent present with advanced disease.
A UCI-led study covering 2017–2020 documented 35,968 cases across 10 sub-regions, highlighting variations in cancer patterns. Oesophageal cancer was most common in West Nile, liver cancer in Karamoja, while skin cancer was prominent in the Elgon and Kigezi sub-regions. Stomach cancer was more prevalent in parts of Ankole and Kigezi.
Nationally, cervical, breast and prostate cancers remain among the leading cancers, with UCI data showing women account for about 55 per cent of patients receiving care at the institute.
Speaking at the same event, Rotarian Dr Herbert Lumu urged residents to avoid known risk factors, including smoking and shisha use, and to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“Sometimes cancer comes with age, but that does not mean young people are not also struggling with the disease. Prevention is better than cure, so we must take responsibility for our health, including improving our diet,” Lumu said.
The President of the Rotary Club of Wobulenzi, Geoffrey Muhanuzi, cautioned patients against self-medication and reliance on unproven remedies.
“If you are diagnosed with cancer, do not take every medicine you come across, especially local herbs. Go to a health facility and seek proper medical advice and treatment,” Muhanuzi said.
The run was flagged off at the Centenary Bank grounds in Wobulenzi, where residents also received free cancer screening and other health services.
Government plans to construct a Shs139 billion regional oncology centre in Mbarara to expand specialised diagnosis and treatment services in western Uganda
Lukalidde said expanding screening in Government facilities is critical to reducing late diagnosis and giving more Ugandans an opportunity to access timely treatment.