5th Uganda Conference on Cancer & Palliative Care kicks off with a call to enhance community-based care.  

Various scientists, experts, and stakeholders in palliative care have convened the 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer & Palliative Care to run from 10^th to 12^th of September 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

The conference is held under the theme "Embracing Uniqueness and Empowering Communities," with participants ranging from cancer researchers, oncologists, and survivors, among others, working together to shape discussions on palliative care in Uganda.  

Experts have emphasized that humanitarian palliative care is about human beings, promoting dignity, relieving suffering, demonstrating compassion, and fighting for justice where mainstream systems fail.

During the first session of the conference, chaired by Ms. Gertrude Nakigudde, the Executive Director of the Uganda Women's Cancer Support Organization, the participants focused on strengthening health systems through community empowerment and strategic leadership.

While making her remarks, Dr Joyce Balagadde Kambugu, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Uganda Cancer Institute on the topic of; Developing the National Cancer Control Strategy for Children and Adolescents, noted that 3,278 children and adolescents develop cancer annually in Uganda, but few have access to detection and treatment in Uganda.

“Only 36% reach care at UCI or regional cancer centers. 7 out of 10 children are missed. Childhood cancer is not preventable but curable if detected early,” she said

Dr. Sarah Nahalamba

The Senior Planner at National Planning Authority, Dr. Sarah Nahalamba, referring to a study, said that between 20% and 60% of people with cancer and other chronic diseases also suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or existential distress, calling for all-around treatment, including mental health care for patients with cancer.

“True care honors the whole person. Mental health must be part of every cancer and palliative care plan, never an afterthought. Mental health is inseparable from physical illness. Ignoring emotional well-being in cancer & palliative care leaves patients only partly supported, prolonging suffering & slowing recovery,” she noted

In a breakup seesion on Evidence-Based Education & Translational Research, chaired by Dr. Edith Akankwasa & Dr. Irene Atuhaire, Dr. Mohira from Gaza said that “We can apply not just to our lives, but to humanitarian systems: compassion, dignity, and hope must guide every action.”

In the session on supporting aging populations in healthcare, the members explored ways to ensure older adults live with health, dignity, and purpose, Dr. Mukiibi Isaac highlighted a challenge of diagnosis, where he said that 90% of oral cavity cancer patients present themselves late, when it's in high stages, limiting options urging the population to go for early detection to save lives and function.

The ED Uganda Cancer Institute, Dr. Jackson Orem, arrives for the conference