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Parliement revealed that Ugandans spend over Shs1.094 trillion annually seeking cancer care in India, the United States, and other nations due to limited specialized treatment options at home
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Parliament Approves $18.09M Loan for Uganda Cancer Institute Expansion
By Our Reporter
Kampala
Parliament has approved a government proposal to borrow US$18.09 million (Shs66 billion) from the African Development Fund to expand the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), aiming to improve cancer treatment and research in the country. The loan serves as additional financing for the East Africa Centres of Excellence for Skills and Tertiary Education in Biomedical Sciences Project – Phase I, following a revision in the scope of ongoing works at the institute.
Cost savings for Ugandan cancer patients
The government justified the loan, citing the need to reduce the massive financial burden on Ugandans seeking cancer treatment abroad. It was revealed that Ugandans spend over Shs1.094 trillion annually seeking cancer care in India, the United States, and other nations due to limited specialized treatment options at home.
"Currently, Uganda records approximately 60,000 new cancer cases per year. While most patients receive treatment locally, a significant number are forced to seek care abroad due to inadequate facilities. This project will help cut down on the US$100 million to US$300 million spent annually on treatment abroad," said Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance.
Minister Musasizi
Strengthening cancer treatment in Uganda
The approved funding will enable UCI to introduce Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) treatment, a significant advancement in the treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Currently, Ugandan patients requiring BMT must travel abroad, incurring high medical costs and logistical challenges.
The expansion of UCI will include:
Uganda’s growing cancer burden
The rising burden of cancer remains a major health challenge in Uganda, with breast, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers being among the most prevalent. The high cost of treatment and late-stage diagnosis have contributed to low survival rates.
The Uganda Cancer Institute, established in 1967, is the country’s primary cancer treatment center, offering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology services. However, due to overcrowding and outdated equipment, many patients have struggled to access timely and effective treatment.
The Ministry of Health believes that expanding UCI's capacity will not only benefit Ugandans but also position the institute as a regional hub for cancer treatment, attracting patients from neighboring countries such as Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What’s next?
The government has assured Parliament that proper accountability measures will be put in place to ensure the efficient utilization of the borrowed funds. Implementation of the expansion project is expected to commence later this year. Lawmakers have also urged the Ministry of Health to prioritize early cancer detection programs, public awareness campaigns, and subsidized treatment costs to make cancer care more accessible to ordinary Ugandans. The Uganda Cancer Institute expansion is seen as a milestone in Uganda’s efforts to modernize its healthcare system, reducing dependency on foreign treatment and saving lives through early intervention and advanced care.
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