Health 9 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tented Accommodation Boosts Cancer Treatment Adherence at UCI
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) reports that free, temporary tented accommodation for upcountry patients has significantly improved their ability to adhere to treatment schedules. This initiative addresses a critical barrier for many patients who previously missed appointments due to lack of affordable lodging in Kampala. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/free-tented-accommodation-improves-cancer-treatment-adherence-uci-5551924
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has observed a marked improvement in cancer patients’ adherence to treatment thanks to a modest, yet vital, initiative: free tented accommodation. This temporary housing solution, primarily for patients traveling from rural areas to Kampala for specialized care, is helping them overcome the significant hurdle of finding affordable lodging.
According to Dr. Jackson Orem, the UCI’s Executive Director, the program, which began during the COVID-19 lockdown, has proven effective in ensuring patients can attend their scheduled appointments. “In the past, people coming from upcountry could not meet appointments because they didn’t have a place to stay in Kampala. That is why we constructed a tent,” Dr. Orem explained. While acknowledging the simplicity of the facility, he emphasized its crucial role in the overall cancer care journey.
The initiative started in 2021 when Grant Thornton, an audit firm, donated two tents to shelter patients who were stranded at the institute during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, many patients had nowhere to sleep, resorting to the institute’s compound or corridors, or returning home due to fear of contracting the virus. Grant Thornton also provided 50 beds, significantly improving sleeping conditions from mats. The firm continues to support the initiative, most recently donating 20 wheelchairs and considering a request for new tents as the current ones have worn out.
This “home away from home” not only ensures treatment continuity but also provides an avenue for UCI to disseminate information on cancer prevention and treatment. The institute is seeking further support from development partners to expand accommodation and enhance psychosocial support services, recognizing that addressing non-medical needs is critical for successful treatment outcomes.
This initiative highlights how basic necessities like shelter can be a deciding factor for patients in completing life-saving treatment. For more details, visit the Daily Monitor.