Health
Govt boosts Mbarara Cancer Institute with Sh139 billion
“Cancer services must be brought closer to the people,” Lumumba said, citing the long distances many patients currently travel to access specialised cancer care.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, August 25th, Minister of ICT Kasule Lumumba announced the Cabinet decision, saying the investment aims to bring cancer services closer to communities. (Credit: Mary Kansiime)
By: John Musenze, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Government is set to establish a regional oncology centre in Mbarara after the cabinet approved a proposal to borrow about Shs139 billion from the government of France to construct and equip the facility.
The Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre is intended to expand access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in western Uganda, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kampala for specialised care.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, August 25th, Minister of ICT Kasule Lumumba announced the Cabinet decision, saying the investment aims to bring cancer services closer to communities.
“Cancer services must be brought closer to the people,” Lumumba said, citing the long distances many patients currently travel to access specialised cancer care.
According to Uganda Cancer Institute statistics cited by the minister, Uganda records about 36,000 new cancer cases every year, but only 8,764 patients reached the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago in 2025.
She said the gap highlights the need to strengthen cancer services outside Kampala, where the Uganda Cancer Institute currently carries much of the national burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
According to Uganda Cancer Institute statistics cited by the minister, Uganda records about 36,000 new cancer cases every year, but only 8,764 patients reached the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago in 2025.
She said the gap highlights the need to strengthen cancer services outside Kampala, where the Uganda Cancer Institute currently carries much of the national burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The centre in Mbarara is expected to provide cancer diagnosis and treatment services while strengthening referral systems between health facilities in the region; it will also support cancer prevention, community outreach, and early detection, according to the minister.
Lumumba said between 80% and 87% of cancer patients present when the disease is already at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and increasing the burden on patients and their families.
She said decentralising cancer services could help improve early detection by allowing people to access specialised services closer to where they live.
At the Mbarara Pediatric Cancer Unit, more than 150 new childhood cancer cases are registered every year, according to figures cited by the minister.
The ICT minister said the investment is part of efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to specialised services as Uganda works towards universal health coverage.
Lumumba said between 80% and 87% of cancer patients present when the disease is already at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and increasing the burden on patients and their families.
She said decentralising cancer services could help improve early detection by allowing people to access specialised services closer to where they live.
At the Mbarara Pediatric Cancer Unit, more than 150 new childhood cancer cases are registered every year, according to figures cited by the minister.
The ICT minister said the investment is part of efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to specialised services as Uganda works towards universal health coverage.