Health 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Cancer Institute Releases First Bone Marrow Transplant Patient in Historic Milestone
The Uganda Cancer Institute has discharged Stephen Sande, its first-ever bone marrow transplant patient, treated for multiple myeloma blood cancer. The procedure, led by local doctors, marks a major step in reducing medical tourism abroad. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-cancer-institute-discharges-its-first-ever-bone-marrow-transplant-patient-5435532
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) celebrated a groundbreaking achievement by discharging Stephen Sande, the nation’s first bone marrow transplant patient. Sande, from Namayingo District and residing in Naalya, Wakiso, underwent the procedure for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng officiated the discharge ceremony on April 24, 2026, noting it was Sande’s 22nd day post-transplant. She praised the all-Ugandan team, emphasizing the country’s growing medical capabilities.
The transplant was performed by UCI specialists Dr. Clement Okello and Dr. Henry Ddungu, supported by a multidisciplinary group including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab scientists, a nutritionist, radiation oncologist, biomedical engineer, cleaners, and an economist.
Planning for the program started in 2016, culminating in this success after a decade of effort. The local procedure costs around $15,000, half the $30,000+ charged overseas, helping curb medical tourism.
Dr. Ddungu stressed maintaining medical sovereignty to keep Ugandan patients at home. Sande expressed deep gratitude to the team and government for funding his treatment, saying he feels much better and is ready to go home.
UCI reports over 34,000 new cancer cases annually in Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)