The fight against cancer and other serious illnesses in Uganda will take center stage this September as the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, hosts the 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care.

The three-day event, to be held in Kampala, will bring together communities to harness their unique strengths and foster collaboration aimed at improving access, equity, and comprehensive support for patients across the country.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), will host the 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care under the theme “Embracing Uniqueness and Empowering Communities.”

Scheduled to take place from 10th to 12th September 2025 in Kampala, the conference will highlight the importance of community-led solutions in enhancing access to care, promoting equity, and delivering holistic support for individuals living with serious illnesses.

The Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, noted that in Uganda, community involvement in the fight against cancer remains low. He added that many patients seek medical help only when the disease has already progressed to late stages.

The Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, Dr. Jackson Orem, expressed optimism about the conference, emphasizing its importance in improving cancer prevention, care, and treatment.

Similarly, Mark Mwesiga, the Executive Director of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, outlined what participants should expect during the three-day event.