Uganda Cancer Institute unveils new brand identity

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) today unveiled its refreshed brand identity and renewed commitment to transforming the cancer experience in Uganda and beyond, under the new brand platform “Life. Reimagined".

The new identity marks a significant milestone in Uganda Cancer Institute’s journey as Uganda’s national referral facility for cancer care, prevention, research and training.
Established in 1967, Uganda Cancer Institute has grown from a cancer treatment centre into a centre of excellence serving thousands of patients while advancing cancer care across Uganda and the region.

The launch comes on the back of a year of significant growth and impact for the Institute. In 2025, Uganda Cancer Institute registered 8,764 new patients, representing a 10.3% increase over 2024. Its outpatient department recorded 67,043 visits, an average of approximately 278 patients per day.

During the same period, Uganda Cancer Institute’s laboratory processed more than two million biochemistry tests and over 110,000 haematology tests. Its regional cancer centres also continued to expand access to specialised cancer care, with the Gulu Regional Cancer Centre registering 927 new patients, a 71% increase, while Mbarara registered 1,306 new patients, a 15% increase. These figures reflect both the growing demand for cancer services and UCI’s continued efforts to decentralise specialised cancer care across the country.

The rebrand also arrives on the heels of a historic clinical milestone. In 2026, the Uganda Cancer Institute performed Uganda’s first-ever autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), successfully treating a patient with multiple myeloma.

Previously, Ugandans requiring this procedure had to seek treatment abroad, including in India, South Africa or Europe, at an estimated cost of  $ 30,000 (Sh115m) to $50,000 (Sh191m), excluding travel and accommodation.

The availability of the procedure in Uganda represents a significant step forward for the country’s cancer treatment capacity and strengthens Uganda Cancer Institute’s ambition to serve as a regional hub for advanced haematology-oncology care.

“This is not just a win for the Uganda Cancer Institute but a win for every Ugandan. We have proven that with the right investment in technology and human capital, we can treat the most complex cancers right here at home in Uganda," says Dr Henry Ddungu, Senior Consultant Haematologist, Uganda Cancer Institute. UCI plans to progressively scale the transplant programme to treat other blood-related malignancies, including lymphoma and certain leukaemias, as clinical capacity and case volumes grow.

He explains that the new brand identity represents more than a change in visual appearance. It reflects a renewed ambition to redefine how cancer care is experienced, placing patients, survivors, families, healthcare workers and communities at the heart of the Uganda Cancer Institute story.

“For decades, UCI has stood as a symbol of excellence in cancer care. Today, we are building on that legacy by creating a future where every cancer journey is met with dignity, compassion and hope,” said Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of Uganda Cancer Institute.

He said that at the heart of the new platform, Life. Reimagined. challenges the long-standing perception of cancer as only a story of fear and uncertainty. Instead, it seeks to highlight the courage, resilience and possibility that exist throughout every cancer journey.

The platform is built around real human experiences; from patients and survivors to caregivers, clinicians and researchers whose stories demonstrate that cancer is not only about diagnosis, but also about the lives that continue beyond diagnosis.
Through the new brand direction, Uganda Cancer Institute seeks to position itself as: a  place where science meets compassion, a place where innovation meets humanity and a place where every patient is seen beyond their diagnosis

He revealed that the campaign will bring Ugandans closer to the people and breakthroughs behind cancer care through survivor stories, healthcare worker experiences, research highlights and community engagement initiatives.
He also invited the public to participate in the growing movement by sharing stories of survival, hope and support through #LifeReimagined.

Building the future of cancer care

Orem says that UCI’s growth is underpinned by continued investment in infrastructure, clinical capacity and strategic partnerships.

The Institute’s 350-bed Main Hospital Building, a multipurpose building supported by the African Development Bank, and a molecular imaging and PET centre are under construction. Uganda Cancer Institute is also expanding its regional footprint, with new cancer centres planned in Mbale and Arua, alongside the continued development of services in Mbarara. The Gulu Regional Cancer Centre, an 80-bed facility, is already operational.

UCI has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) under the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (AOMC), opening the door to greater access to affordable, quality- assured cancer medicines for patients across the country.

"The launch of Life. Reimagined. signals a new chapter for the Uganda Cancer Institute, one that honours its history while embracing a future where more lives are transformed, more stories are heard and more people find hope throughout their cancer journey,” he concluded.