The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), has officially announced the 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care, set to take place from 10–12 September 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Under the theme “Embracing Uniqueness and Empowering Communities,” the conference will highlight the urgent need for inclusive, patient-centered care that reflects Uganda’s diverse socio-economic, cultural, and geographic realities.
The conference aims to be more than a gathering of medical professionals; it is a call to action. The focus is on strengthening community-led solutions, improving access to life-saving services, and promoting equity in healthcare for people living with serious illnesses, including cancer.
Key objectives include:
-
Showcasing cutting-edge cancer and palliative care research from Uganda, East Africa, and beyond.
-
Standardizing care practices across sub-Saharan Africa to ensure uniform quality.
-
Documenting and mapping resources for research, training, and service delivery.
-
Promoting collaboration between national, regional, and international institutions.
Uganda faces a growing cancer crisis. Each year, 34,000–36,000 new cases are reported, leading to over 24,000 deaths. Despite government efforts, only 20% of patients reach the Uganda Cancer Institute for treatment, and survival rates remain low.
Palliative care, vital for improving quality of life, is available in 230 accredited facilities across 107 districts. However, it currently reaches only 10–11% of those in need. This gap underscores the urgency for stronger advocacy, investment, and policy action.
Dr. Olaro Charles, Director General Health Services, stressed that “Embracing Uniqueness” means tailoring care to the patient’s culture, age, and condition, while “Empowering Communities” means giving people the knowledge, resources, and voice to take part in their own care.
Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, acknowledged that while progress has been made in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, many patients still present late. He called the conference “a vital platform to close gaps in patient care.”
Mark-Donald Mwesiga, Executive Director of PCAU, reminded the nation that “Palliative care is not a luxury it is a right.” He emphasized the need for care that is holistic, compassionate, and accessible to all.
The event will push for:
-
Policy reforms to expand cancer and palliative care access.
-
Sustainable financing for innovative health solutions, including AI-powered diagnostics and advanced radiotherapy.
-
Greater community empowerment to improve early detection, treatment adherence, and holistic support.
The program will feature high-level policy dialogues, interactive workshops, a survivorship symposium, and poster presentations. Notably, a special CEO and board-level side event will focus on leadership, governance, and health financing.
Uganda is recognized as a continental leader in integrating palliative care into its health system. The provision of free oral morphine and the establishment of a dedicated Division of Palliative Care within the Ministry of Health set it apart as a model for Africa.
Since 2017, UCI and PCAU have co-hosted four successful biennial conferences, fostering global collaboration and advancing equity in cancer and palliative care services.
The 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care is not just an event it is an advocacy milestone. It will amplify the voices of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, while pushing for policy reforms that ensure no one is left behind.
By embracing cultural diversity and community-driven solutions, Uganda is moving toward a future where cancer and palliative care are accessible, equitable, and compassionate.
