Parliament has given the green light to two loan agreements intended to strengthen cancer treatment and care in Uganda through the establishment of regional oncology centres in Mbale and Arua.
According to the approved resolution, government will borrow €9.4 million from UniCredit Bank Austria to construct and equip the Mbale Oncology Centre, and US$36.5 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to build the Arua Oncology Centre and acquire radiotherapy equipment for Mbale.
Presenting the Committee on National Economy’s report, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo (Bukedea County) explained that the initiative will greatly expand access to quality cancer care, particularly for patients outside Kampala.
“Many Ugandans are dying from cancer because treatment services are centralised. These new centres will bring specialised care closer to the people,” Ikojo stated.
Statistics from the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) indicate that more than 54,000 patients are managed annually, including around 36,000 new cases and over 24,000 deaths each year. Legislators backed the funding plan, noting that the Eastern and Northern regions—where patient numbers are highest—stand to benefit the most.
Hon. Masaba Karim (Ind., Industrial Division, Mbale) praised the decision, describing it as a vital investment in the nation’s health system.
“This is a loan with a clear purpose. The project will transform access to care and save many lives in the Eastern region,” he said.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa commended Members of Parliament for their support, calling the move a milestone in advancing health equity.
“We are not just approving loans; we are approving hope for thousands of Ugandans who deserve timely cancer treatment,” Tayebwa remarked.
The UniCredit Bank Austria facility will run for 23 years, including a five-year grace period, while the IsDB financing carries a 25-year maturity under concessional terms. The government will also provide US$4.79 million in counterpart funding.
The project aligns with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, with construction of both centres expected to begin during the 2025/2026 financial year.
