Uganda is set to acquire four state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan machines in a major boost to the country's oncology infrastructure, a move expected to significantly enhance early cancer detection and reduce the costly burden of medical tourism.
The Executive Director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), Dr Joseph Muvawala, revealed that funds totaling approximately Shs244 billion ($65 million) have already been approved for the procurement. The advanced diagnostic equipment is expected to arrive in the country within three months and will be installed at four regional referral hospitals in Arua, Mbale, Gulu, and Mbarara.
Speaking on Sunday as the chief runner during this year's Rotary Cancer Run in Jinja, Dr Muvawala highlighted the critical need for local access to advanced diagnostics. Currently, Ugandans requiring PET scan services must travel abroad to countries such as Kenya, Egypt, India, and South Africa, incurring prohibitive expenses.
Dr Muvawala emphasized that the government is taking direct steps to alleviate the economic toll of non-communicable diseases on households. He noted that cancer remains one of the most expensive conditions to manage and often pushes families into financial distress. He confirmed that while his office has authorized the funding for the regional deployment, Jinja is not among the initial four receiving facilities.
The initiative was announced amidst strong community mobilization efforts across the region. The Jinja edition of the annual run was organized by a coalition of local clubs led by the Rotary Club of Jinja, alongside the Rotary Club of Source of the Nile, Rotary Club of Jinja City, Rotary Club of Metro Jinja, local Rotaract clubs, schools, corporate organizations, and civil society groups.
Adding a royal push to the campaign, Dr Muvawala announced that the Busoga Kingdom will intensify its mobilization efforts next year. The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Nadiope Gabula IV, is scheduled to personally attend the 2027 Busoga Cancer Run as the chief runner to rally public support for cancer prevention.
Addressing participants after the run, Mr Drake Magara, the President of the Rotary Club of Jinja, urged the public to embrace routine medical check-ups. He noted that early screening remains the most effective tool in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives, reiterating that while cancer is deadly, it is often preventable when caught early.
