KAMPALA, Uganda — Parliament has approved the government’s proposal to borrow funds to strengthen cancer care in Uganda through the establishment of regional oncology centres in Mbale and Arua.
The resolution authorizes the government to borrow up to €9.4 million from UniCredit Bank Austria for the construction and equipping of the Mbale Oncology Centre, and $36.5 million from the Islamic Development Bank for the construction of the Arua Oncology Centre and procurement of radiotherapy equipment for Mbale.
The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Committee on National Economy. The committee’s chairperson, John Bosco Ikojo, said the loans will significantly expand access to quality cancer care across the country.
“Cancer is claiming thousands of lives every year because services are concentrated in Kampala. These loans will help decentralize oncology care and bring treatment closer to the people,” Ikojo said.
The Uganda Cancer Institute currently handles more than 54,000 patients annually, including 35,968 new cases and 24,629 deaths. Legislators overwhelmingly supported the proposal, noting that the Eastern and Northern regions, which contribute the highest patient numbers, urgently need specialized facilities.
Karim Masaba welcomed the decision, describing it as a lifeline for the people of Eastern Uganda.
“I have always cautioned against approving loans without a clear purpose, but this is a development project that will benefit millions of Ugandans. Mbale Regional Hospital serves the entire Eastern region, and this investment will make a real difference,” he said.
Presiding over the sitting, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa commended members for supporting the loans, calling the move a milestone in promoting health equity.
“We are not just approving loans; we are approving hope for thousands of Ugandans who deserve timely cancer treatment,” Tayebwa said.
The UniCredit Bank Austria loan will have a tenure of 23 years, including a five-year grace period, while the IsDB financing carries a 25-year maturity on concessional terms. The government will provide $4.79 million in counterpart funding.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV. Construction of both centres is expected to commence in the 2025/2026 financial year.
