The Ugandan government has approved a loan of Shs139 billion (approximately US$38 million) to fund the construction of the Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre, a specialized cancer treatment facility slated to serve the Western Region. The financing will be sourced from a combination of multilateral development banks and a domestic bond issuance.
The centre, expected to be operational by 2029, will feature radiotherapy units, chemotherapy suites, and a research wing focused on cancers prevalent in the region. Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng emphasized that the project addresses a critical gap in cancer care, noting that patients currently travel over 300 km to access treatment in Kampala.
Construction will be overseen by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Uganda National Roads Authority, which will also upgrade access roads to the site. The loan agreement includes provisions for capacity‑building, with staff training programs to be delivered by international oncology experts.
Civil society groups welcomed the initiative but called for transparent procurement processes and community engagement to ensure the centre meets local needs.