Health 25 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Secures Shs 139 Billion French Loan for Mbarara Cancer Centre
The Ugandan Cabinet has approved a loan of approximately Shs 139 billion from the French government to establish a regional oncology center in Mbarara. This initiative aims to decentralize cancer care and reduce the burden on the national cancer institute in Kampala. Source: https://observer.ug/news/cabinet-approves-shs-139bn-french-loan-for-mbarara-cancer-centre
The Ugandan government has secured a significant loan from France to bolster cancer treatment services in the western region. Cabinet has given the green light to borrow up to €31.98 million, which translates to roughly Shs 139 billion, for the construction and equipping of a new regional oncology center in Mbarara.
This move is a strategic step towards decentralizing specialized cancer care, making it more accessible to patients in western Uganda and easing the strain on the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala. Currently, patients from across the country face arduous and costly journeys to the capital for diagnosis and treatment, with some even seeking care abroad.
The proposed Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre is expected to improve access to diagnosis, strengthen referral systems, and support prevention and early detection efforts. Statistics from the UCI reveal that Uganda records about 36,000 new cancer cases annually, but a significant majority of patients seek treatment only at advanced stages, diminishing their chances of recovery.
While the new facility promises to expand healthcare infrastructure and advance universal health coverage, experts emphasize that its success will hinge on sustained investment in specialized human resources, including oncologists and nurses, alongside reliable equipment and medicines. The project is part of a broader government effort to bring essential health services closer to the populace, aligning with the principle that healthcare should not lead to financial hardship.
In addition to the health sector development, Cabinet also approved preparations for Uganda to host a Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministerial meeting in December 2026 and a program for the procurement and distribution of fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity. Arrangements for commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2026, were also approved.
This article is based on information from The Observer (Uganda).