Public urged to go for regular cancer screening as 5th conference on Cancer & Palliative Care is launched.

The Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), together with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other partners, have joined hands to organize the forthcoming 5^th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care slated for 10-12th September 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo- Kampala.

During the press conference to the official launch, the conference experts in cancer treatments, research, and training called upon the public, partners, and stakeholders to register for the conference to broadly discuss cancer and palliative care in Uganda among professionals, advocates to promote cancer awareness through sharing knowledge, best practices, and experience, among other issues.

While making his remarks at the media launch, the Director General, Health Services Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, said that the ministry is advancing and extending cancer care and treatment to the majority of Ugandans through the provision of new high-tech equipment, expansion of services to the other regions, to ensure accessibility.

“We are advancing Cancer Care in Uganda. A new high-end linear accelerator and nuclear medicine facility will soon enhance radiology & radiotherapy services, delivering high-quality, accessible care for all. From children to seniors, treatments will be tailored to cultural and age-specific needs, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said

Uganda provides free oral morphine in government health facilities and has a dedicated division for palliative care, with development indicators tracked through the Health Management Information System.

“The World Health Organization has recognized the palliative care tracking in Uganda as one of the global best practices. Already, nearly half a million people have benefited from palliative care and this is just the beginning,” he said

Dr. Orem Jackson

The Executive Director, Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) Dr Orem Jackson, while applauding the partnership with (PCAU) for the conference, said that in line with UCI mandate of coordinating all actors in areas of cancer care, they are delighted to associate with PCAU to promote cancer awareness through the conference.

“We have found a unique partnership with PCAU. One of the ways to harness the benefits of working together has been through conferences that add value and explore new areas of social and academic approaches to Cancer care. The UCI mandate is to coordinate all actors in areas of Cancer control, which is why there is collaboration with civil societies.  The principles of palliative Care can be applied in other areas of life-limiting diseases, that is why I thank PCAU for the good work,” he said

He said that resources allocated to cancer treatment and care have enabled the institute to expand to other regions through establishing new cancer centers with one of Gulu functioning, aiming at adding 2 more centers.

“The MoH has ensured that the cancer patients have not been left out when it comes to source allocation. The regional Cancer center in Gulu is functional, and 3 are upcoming including Arua, Mbale and Mbarara- these centres have funding that's secured and they are being established. I call upon you to participate in the conference so that you learn more about new innovations and research in Cancer and Palliative Care,” he stated

Dr. Moses, Assistant Commissioner, Palliative Care and Hospice Services (MOH), said that "The burden of cancer is increasing – a reality. That's why we support patients. Today, we launch the conference (Sept 10-12) to shape policy and boost cancer awareness". 

Mr. Mark Mwesige

Mr. Mark Mwesiga, the Executive Director of PCAU, said that PCAU is the only Palliative Care Association in the African continent that coordinates conferences with UCI and the government. He said that the conference will address various issues, including non-communicable diseases, cancer, research, and innovation, among others.

He said that PCAU was established in 1993, and currently the Association has 30 organizations and 1800 individual members, who are distributed country-wide.

“This is the 5th Conference and we have held conferences since 2003. Palliative Care as an approach is not only for Cancer, rather for all life-limiting conditions. This conference will cut across all non-communicable diseases, Cancer, research and innovation” he said

Gertrude Nakigudde, Executive Director of UWOCAS and a breast cancer survivor said "I was treated at Uganda Cancer institute and have survived for the last 23 years. Am happy that there is a workshop about Survivorship in the conference, there are more of these stories about different Cancer survivors who are living a quality life”

Director General, Health Services MOH Dr. Olaro Charles