The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has launched the Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, marking a groundbreaking development in cancer care in Africa.
The state-of-the-art Molecular Therapy Centre, also known as the PET Centre, is poised to revolutionize cancer treatment in Uganda and the region.
Dr. Jackson Oryem, Executive Director of UCI, shared that the project is being implemented in two phases.
Phase one, nearly 95% complete, focuses on equipping radiotherapy bunkers and enhancing nuclear medicine capabilities.
The new facility is expected to begin operations in April, with patients paying approximately UGX 2 million for treatment.
This initiative will help address the rising number of patients approximately 45,000 who currently travel abroad every year for specialized cancer treatment.
The newly established radiotherapy centre features cutting-edge technology, including True Beam Linear Accelerators and advanced treatment planning systems, reinforcing UCI’s status as a leading centre of excellence in radiotherapy.
Dr. Osinde Godfrey, head of the Nuclear Medicine department at UCI, emphasized the significance of molecular imaging and therapy, explaining that the new technology will enable more accurate diagnostics and provide advanced treatment options, including targeted radionuclide therapy.
This innovation is already transforming cancer care worldwide.
Phase two of the project is set to begin in August 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction.
By Ben Musanje
17th Mar 2025
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