{
  "id": 3664851,
  "title": "Uganda: Parliament Health Committee Raises Concern Over Cancer Treatment At Uci",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/uganda-parliament-health-committee-raises-concern-over-cancer",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-27T04:26:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica Health",
    "slug": "allafrica-health",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202608270066.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Uganda Parliament's Health Committee has expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) due to shortages of specialized healthcare workers, medicines, and financial support. Led by Chairperson Dr. Rude Julius Monday, the committee toured UCI to assess the situation and management of specialized cancer services.\n\nDr. Jackson Orem, UCI's Executive Director, informed the legislators that UCI continues to face challenges, including a scarcity of specialized healthcare professionals, a growing patient population, and insufficient funding. Despite these obstacles, UCI has continued providing cancer care to Ugandans and neighboring countries. Orem emphasized that UCI is working to establish cancer treatment centers nationwide, expand specialized services, and enhance access to modern cancer treatments.\n\nThe parliamentary committee, however, expressed concern over these challenges and called for urgent government intervention and increased support for UCI. Dr. Lude urged the government to step up assistance for the institute, especially for those who cannot afford cancer treatment. The committee requested UCI management to provide a comprehensive list of resources needed to enhance cancer treatment and services accessibility. UCI management was given until the following Monday to submit its requirements to the committee.\n\nThe lawmakers also acknowledged government support for specialized cancer services at UCI, including the installation of modern equipment for various cancer treatments. UCI officials informed the committee that the high cost of specialized cancer care, coupled with rising demand, continues to strain the institute's finances. Currently, UCI estimates it needs approximately $85 million to provide cancer treatment and related services. However, the institute received only about Shs13 billion (roughly $7 million) last year, creating a significant funding gap.\n\nThe committee plans to use its findings from the visit to recommend strengthening cancer treatment, increasing staffing, and improving access to affordable care for Ugandans.",
  "summary": "[Nile Post] Members of Parliament's Health Committee have raised concern over the growing number of cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), amid shortages of specialised health workers, medicines and funding needed to provide adequate treatment.",
  "key_points": [
    "Uganda Parliament Health Committee raises concern over cancer treatment at UCI",
    "Shortages of specialized healthcare workers, medicines, and financial support at UCI",
    "Committee calls for urgent government intervention and increased support for UCI"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The parliamentary committee's concerns and proposed interventions signal a likely increase in government support for Uganda Cancer Institute, potentially improving access to affordable cancer care for Ugandans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}