KAMPALA, August 25, 2026 — Cabinet has approved a proposal for the Government of Uganda to borrow up to €31.98 million [about Shs 139 billion] from the Government of France to finance the construction and equipping of the Uganda Cancer Institute’s Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre.
The decision was taken during the 8th Cabinet meeting held at State House, Entebbe, on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Uganda Media Centre.
The proposed oncology centre is expected to expand access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in western Uganda, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kampala or seek expensive treatment abroad.
The Cabinet statement said Uganda continues to face a significant cancer burden, with Uganda Cancer Institute statistics for 2025 indicating that the country records about 36,000 new cancer cases annually. However, only 8,764 cases reached the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago for treatment.
Between 80 and 87 percent of cancer patients reportedly present for treatment when the disease is already at an advanced stage, highlighting the need to improve early detection and access to cancer services.
The Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre is expected to strengthen cancer referral pathways and support prevention, outreach, early detection, diagnosis and treatment in the western region.
Cabinet said the investment is consistent with Uganda’s development priorities, particularly efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and advance universal health coverage.
Uganda to host final NAM ministerial meeting
Cabinet also approved preparations for Uganda to host the final statutory ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement [NAM] under the country’s current chairmanship.
The meeting will be held from December 2-4, 2026.
Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for the 2024–2027 period after hosting the 19th NAM Summit in January 2024 under the theme, “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
Cabinet approved the organising committee and technical subcommittees for the December meeting and allocated a budget of Shs 3.869bln to facilitate the event.
The meeting is expected to provide Uganda with another opportunity to exercise leadership within the movement and advance cooperation among member states.
Four appointed to Surveyors Registration Board
Cabinet further approved the appointment of four new members to the Surveyors Registration Board [SRB], which regulates the surveying profession in Uganda under the Surveyors Registration Act, Cap. 330.
The appointees are Sophia Nagujja Mugumbu, Daniel Okwana, Patricia Alowo Patricia Namulembwa and Anthony Mark Kyalirizo.
Cabinet said an effective board is important for maintaining professional standards and protecting the public interest, given the role of surveying in land administration, physical development, infrastructure and construction.
Government to mark International Day of Older Persons
Cabinet also approved arrangements for Uganda’s commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2026.
The commemoration will be held under the theme, “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.”
The event will be hosted virtually from State House, Entebbe, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest.
The government said the commemoration will recognise the contribution of older persons to families, communities and the country while drawing attention to the need for stronger systems of care, protection and support.
Fertiliser support for strategic crops
Cabinet also considered the procurement, supply and distribution of fertilisers to farmers across Uganda.
Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Government will distribute fertilisers to farmers in different parts of the country as part of efforts to increase the production and productivity of strategic crops and support beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model.
The ministry is expected to work out detailed implementation arrangements and communicate information to the public on the targeted crops, beneficiary areas and distribution process.
The decisions were presented by Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, following the Cabinet meeting.
https://thecooperator.news/gulu-city-residents-urge-govt-to-expedite-construction-of-cancer-centre/
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