By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA. Government has approved a proposal to borrow up to €31.98 million (about Shs139 billion, from the French government to construct and equip the Uganda Cancer Institute’s Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre.
The proposal was approved during Cabinet’s eighth meeting held at State House, Entebbe, on Monday, August 24, according to ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.
The planned facility is expected to decentralise cancer diagnosis and treatment, which remain heavily concentrated at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, Kampala.
Government said the Mbarara centre would expand access to diagnosis and treatment in western Uganda, strengthen referral pathways and support cancer prevention, community outreach and early detection. Exploring African Diaspora Media
Uganda records an estimated 36,000 new cancer cases annually, according to Uganda Cancer Institute statistics cited by Cabinet. However, only 8,764 patients reached the institute in Mulago in 2025.
The government said between 80% and 87% of cancer patients present for treatment when the disease is already at an advanced stage, complicating treatment and reducing survival prospects.
“At present, the Uganda Cancer Institute carries much of the national burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Cabinet said. “Many patients must travel long distances to Kampala, while others seek treatment abroad at costs that most families cannot afford.”
The proposed centre is expected to serve patients from western Uganda and neighbouring areas, reducing travel and accommodation costs incurred by families seeking specialised treatment in Kampala.
The investment is also intended to reduce Uganda’s reliance on overseas cancer treatment, which remains beyond the financial reach of most households.
The loan proposal will have to be presented to Parliament for approval before the government can conclude the borrowing arrangement.