Gov’t Defends UGX 65Bn Loan to Enhance Cancer Treatment at Uganda Cancer Institute

Summary:

• Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng defended a US$18.09 million loan for the Uganda Cancer Institute’s expansion, arguing it is vital to improve cancer care and ease the burden on overworked oncologists. The expansion, part of a regional project, faces delays and a financing gap, but officials emphasize its importance in reducing medical tourism and enhancing local treatment.

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Dr. Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, has strongly justified the government’s decision to secure a loan of US$18.09 million (UGX 65.92 billion) from the African Development Fund to expand and upgrade the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Speaking before Parliament’s National Economy Committee, Dr. Aceng emphasized that the loan was crucial for enhancing cancer care services in Uganda and alleviating the immense workload burdening the country’s oncologists.

Dr. Aceng outlined that the expansion is part of the broader East Africa Centres of Excellence for Skills project, with Uganda taking the lead in oncology, while Tanzania and Kenya focus on cardiology and nephrology. However, the project’s progress has been hindered by disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the need for additional funding.

“The demand for cancer treatment is overwhelming, and our healthcare workers are stretched thin,” Dr. Aceng said. “At the Uganda Cancer Institute, patients can be found in hallways and even near washrooms due to overcrowding. While doctors in other countries might see just a handful of patients daily, here, the numbers are far higher, leading to significant strain on both medical staff and the quality of care.”

The Minister acknowledged that the scarcity of oncologists is a primary factor behind the delays in treatment, with the few existing professionals unable to keep pace with the growing number of patients. She also pointed out the disparity in equipment availability compared to other nations, where advanced machinery aids in better patient care. “Our doctors are incredibly skilled, but we lack the necessary tools to provide optimal treatment. Without proper equipment, cancer care in Uganda will remain insufficient,” Dr. Aceng noted.

Minister of State for Finance, Henry Musasizi, explained that the initial construction of the UCI was planned to take two years, but delays caused by the pandemic and contractor cash flow issues have stretched the project timeline to 42 months. As a result, the total cost has escalated, leading to a financing shortfall of US$21.68 million.

“The demand for cancer care is rising, and the limited capacity of the Uganda Cancer Institute has resulted in numerous complications, costly treatments, and premature deaths. There are currently over 500 patients on the waiting list for nuclear medicine,” Musasizi added. “Expanding the facility is essential to meet this growing demand.”

The financing gap has raised concerns among some MPs about the project’s ability to meet its objectives. MP Nathan Nyanyima (Bukanga North) voiced support for the loan but stressed the importance of ensuring that the expansion leads to reduced medical tourism. “I’ve personally experienced the need to seek treatment abroad due to the lack of proper cancer facilities in Uganda. We must ensure that this loan will equip us to handle these cases locally,” he said.

Robert Migadde, the Vice Chair of the National Economy Committee, also questioned whether the loan would truly eliminate the need for Ugandans to seek treatment abroad. He asked, “Will this loan bring the necessary equipment and services to keep patients in Uganda, or will they still need to travel overseas for care?”

Echoing these concerns, Peggy Wako, the National Female Elderly Representative, underscored the importance of improving local cancer treatment infrastructure to prevent patients from needing to go abroad.

Government officials assured that despite delays, the project’s core goals remain intact. Minister Musasizi confirmed that the aim is to transform the Uganda Cancer Institute into a regional hub for oncology training, clinical practice, and research, benefiting not just Uganda but the entire East African region.

Dr. Aceng further explained that while the loan was initially meant for the construction of training centers for oncology, cardiology, and nephrology, additional funds are now needed to procure specialized equipment and furnishings necessary for both training and patient care. “The initial six floors of the facility have been completed, but we now require more resources to meet the evolving needs of both medical staff and patients,” she said.

Additionally, Dr. Aceng highlighted the challenges of low prostate cancer screening rates among Ugandan men, noting that many only seek treatment once symptoms become severe. “There is a significant gap in early detection for prostate cancer. We need to encourage more men to get screened before it’s too late,” she said.

The government’s decision to seek additional financing for the Uganda Cancer Institute expansion reflects a commitment to addressing critical healthcare infrastructure needs and improving cancer treatment services for Uganda and the broader East African community.