The Gulu Regional Cancer Centre (GRCC) has appointed Dr. Geriga Fadhil, a pediatric oncologist with over a decade of clinical and research experience, as its first substantive head. He replaces Dr. Amos Obote, who has led the centre since its launch in 2023.
The handover ceremony, held on September 1, 2025, marks a new chapter for the only cancer treatment facility in northern Uganda, which has quickly grown into a lifeline for patients who once had to travel to Kampala for specialized care.
Dr. Fadhil, previously based at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala, pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. “This role comes with a huge responsibility. My priority is to ensure that people in northern Uganda access cancer services close to home without the financial and emotional strain of traveling long distances,” he said.
Officials from the Uganda Cancer Institute described his appointment as timely. Dr. Victoria Walusansa, Deputy Executive Director of UCI, said Fadhil’s clinical expertise and leadership experience make him well-suited to guide the centre into its next phase.
When GRCC opened in August 2023, the facility operated with fewer than 10 staff members. Under Dr. Obote’s leadership, it has expanded to over 70 personnel and now manages 200 patient visits monthly and between 300–350 chemotherapy infusions.
Though the centre has grown steadily, challenges remain. It currently lacks a radiotherapy unit, meaning patients in need of that treatment still must be referred to Kampala. Dr. Obote, who now plans to focus on community cancer awareness, urged continued investment in early detection and outreach.
GRCC was established with a €7.5 million investment to decentralize cancer treatment from Kampala. Today, the centre is equipped with a CT scanner, X-ray, ultrasound, and mammography services. Construction of a radiotherapy bunker is expected in future expansions, which will make the facility a fully comprehensive oncology centre.
For patients across Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja subregions, the facility has already reduced the burden of long-distance travel for care. Dr. Fadhil said he will prioritize scaling services and strengthening partnerships with local health facilities to detect and treat cases earlier.
Health experts say the leadership transition signals maturity for the young institution. With Dr. Fadhil at the helm, the Gulu Cancer Centre is expected to not only expand treatment capacity but also become a hub for research, training, and community engagement in northern Uganda.