Prioritise preventive healthcare, early detection of health risks, MPs told
“We encourage public institutions, employers and individuals to invest in regular health screening and workplace wellness as foundations for healthier communities and a more productive nation, said Lira City Woman MP and Government Chief Whip, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
Aceng encouraged public institutions, employers and individuals to invest in regular health screening.
KAMPALA - When the doors of Parliament opened on November 11, 2026, it was not for debate. It was for health, as legislators were urged to prioritise preventive healthcare and early detection of health risks.
“We encourage public institutions, employers and individuals to invest in regular health screening and workplace wellness as foundations for healthier communities and a more productive nation, said Lira City Woman MP and Government Chief Whip, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
Aceng made the remarks during a one-day medical outreach at Parliament, where the August House’s legislators, staff and other participants were encouraged to pause, check, and take charge of their health.
The outreach, organised by TMR International Hospital, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Parliament of Uganda, highlighted the importance of regular check-ups, particularly for men whose professional and family responsibilities can make preventive care easy to overlook.
The hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Daniel M. Talemwa, said participants received blood pressure and blood glucose screening, lipid profiles to assess cholesterol, and liver function tests.
Uganda registers over 34,000 new cancer cases annually and over 22,000 deaths, according to Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).
“Cervical cancer remains the leading killer of women, while prostate cancer leads among men, but 70% of these deaths are preventable if detected early,” Talemwa insisted.
Cancer burden
In 2025, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) recorded a 10.3% increase in the number of people newly diagnosed with cancer.
Adults accounted for 91% of the new patients, while children accounted for 9%, or 780 patients.
Commonest cancers recorded
Among adults, the institute recorded 1,255 new cases of cervical cancer in 2025, representing a 15% increase
This was followed by breast cancer, with 935 new patients, an 18% increase.
The number of new prostate cancer patients stood at 895, representing a 17% increase, while 588 patients were newly diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus, an increase of 12%.
Talemwa said the outreach came as they celebrate 10 years of service to Uganda, thereby carrying their hospital to the heart of the nation's legislature for a special men's health outreach, ahead of International Men's Day on November 19th.