The government is seeking a Shs139 billion loan from the French government to finance the construction of a regional oncology and cancer centre in Mbarara, as Uganda continues to grapple with a rising cancer burden.
The decision to seek the loan was approved by cabinet on Monday, according to Justine Kasule Lumumba, the Minister for Information and National Guidance.
Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Lumumba said the cabinet decision clears the way for the government to table a motion in Parliament seeking approval to borrow the money.
“Cancer continues to surge in the country. We believe putting up another facility will reduce congestion of cancer patients at Mulago and other facilities and also boost cancer services,” Lumumba said.
She said the proposed Mbarara facility would increase access to specialised cancer treatment for patients in western Uganda and neighbouring areas, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kampala for treatment.
The government is already developing regional cancer facilities in other parts of the country.
An oncology facility is under construction in Mbale, while the cancer centre in Gulu is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned soon.
Uganda currently registers more than 36,000 new cancer cases annually, according to government health statistics, while deaths from the disease remain high.
The planned Mbarara centre is therefore expected to form part of the government’s wider effort to decentralise cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
Cabinet also approved Uganda’s hosting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting scheduled for November 22 to December 4, 2026.
Uganda is currently chairing NAM under President Museveni, who took over the chairmanship at the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala in January 2024.
Lumumba said the government expects to spend about Shs3 billion preparing for the ministerial meeting.
The minister said the allocation would cater for preparations for the international meeting, which will bring together representatives from NAM member states.
In another cabinet decision, Lumumba said the government will commemorate National Older Persons Day virtually from State House Entebbe on October 1.
Lumumba said the decision to hold a low-key event was part of efforts to reduce government expenditure.
She said the celebrations would provide an opportunity to discuss issues affecting older people and review the support and social protection packages available to them.
