Gulu City, Uganda – Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Center in Gulu is at 90% completion ahead of commissioning in Mid-June 2024 according to the team from Uganda Cancer Institute Mulago after an inspection by the Board.
The multibillion health facility was established on a four and half hectares of land in Koro Kal worth 7.5 million Euros nearly Shs 34.5 billion, launched on Friday 13th August, 2021 by the honorable Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja .
During the visit by the Chairman Uganda Cancer Institute Board, Professor William Bazeyo explained that the government is also constructing the same in Mbale, Mbarara and Arua to help treat the huge burden of cancer in this country so that decongestion at the national cancer institute is managed.
He revealed that from the assessment the work is at 90% completion with wall fence and perimeter wall at the final stage and have started treating, conducting surgeries and others been diagnosed.
He further says some of the technologies, machines are so advanced and they have not acquired it for the other centers including the one in Mulago.
He noticed that though the local government and City supported the project by giving land still the land cannot be enough to sustain the remaining phases.
He however promised the communities for well trained personnel that will run the cancer center.
He further explained that the commissioning date will be determined by Mother Ministry of Health through guidance.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director, Mulago National Cancer Institute urges the people of Northern Uganda to make good use of the facility being the first of its kind in the region.
He further cautioned people to seek cancer treatment early by testing since all the equipment are in place for early prevention and cure.
Alfred Jatho, Public Health Specialist, in the department of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection has emphasized more on prevention and early detection since there are a number of testing devices in the cancer center.
Joyce Alima Reeni, Gulu City Council Speaker, who represented the Mayor Gulu, thanked the government for initiating the project to people of northern Uganda and call on communities to embrace the project that will help the people in the region and the entire Uganda.
She further says there is need for land expansion in order to accommodate other phases of the remaining project and promised as a leader from Gulu city to engage the individual land owners to provide more land for the project and urges the communities to also embrace the project.
However, cancer is among the disease burdens affecting Northern Uganda while the majority of the patients who are referred to Mulago National Cancer Institute often fail to reach the facility due to lack of transport and cost of feeding while admitted.
