The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), has announced the upcoming 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care, scheduled for 10–12 September 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Held under the theme “Embracing Uniqueness and Empowering Communities,” the conference aims to promote inclusive, patient-centered care that reflects Uganda’s diverse socio-economic, cultural, and geographic realities. It will bring together leading experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates from across the region and beyond to share knowledge, explore innovations, and strengthen community-driven solutions in cancer and palliative care.
“Tailoring care to the patient’s culture, age, condition, and needs is key,” said Dr. Olaro Charles, Director General of Health Services. “Empowering communities means giving them the knowledge, resources, and voice to take part in their own care — which improves early detection, adherence to treatment, and holistic support.”
The conference will showcase cutting-edge research, share strategies for standardizing care across sub-Saharan Africa, and promote collaboration among national, regional, and international institutions. Topics on the agenda include personalized and culturally inclusive care, the role of innovation and AI in healthcare, sustainable financing, and strategies to reach underserved populations.
Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, emphasized the urgency of closing service gaps:
“While progress has been made, many patients still present late and have limited access to essential services. This conference is a vital platform for collaboration to improve patient care.”
Mark-Donald Mwesiga, Executive Director of PCAU, underscored the right to palliative care:
“Palliative care is not a luxury — it is a right. We must ensure it is holistic, compassionate, and accessible to all.”
The three-day gathering will feature plenary sessions, interactive workshops, a survivorship symposium, public-friendly science talks, poster presentations, and a high-level side event on health financing and governance for leaders of cancer and palliative care institutions.
Addressing Uganda’s Cancer and Palliative Care Burden
Uganda records an estimated 34,000–36,000 new cancer cases annually, with over 24,000 deaths each year. Only about 20% of patients reach the Uganda Cancer Institute for treatment, and survival rates remain low.
Palliative care services are available in 230 accredited facilities across 107 districts, but only reach about 10–11% of those in need. Uganda, however, is recognized as a continental leader in integrating palliative care into its health system, with initiatives such as free oral morphine provision and a dedicated Division of Palliative Care at the Ministry of Health.
Since 2017, UCI and PCAU have co-hosted four successful biennial conferences, building momentum toward improving the availability, accessibility, quality, and equity of cancer and palliative care services.
