Health experts in the Bunyoro sub-region have expressed growing concern over a sharp increase in cancer cases, most of which are being diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment difficult or impossible.
According to Germans Natuwhera, the manager of Little Hospice Hoima — the only palliative care facility in the Bunyoro region — the number of new cancer cases recorded at the facility has risen significantly from 250 in 2024 to 300 cases so far in 2025. This marks a 20% increase in just one year.
“New cancer cases are increasing at a high rate. People in rural areas often interpret symptoms as witchcraft and turn to herbal medicine. By the time they seek medical attention, the disease has usually progressed to a late stage, often beyond curative treatment,” Natuwhera said.
He further noted that cervical cancer is the most frequently detected cancer at the facility, predominantly affecting women in the region. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased cancer awareness, early screening, and access to appropriate medical interventions.
Late Diagnosis and Limited Funding Hindering Cancer Care Efforts
In addition to the growing caseload, the delivery of palliative care services across the country is being hindered by a lack of funding. Prossy Nakyanja, Executive Director of Hospice Africa Uganda, voiced concerns about financial constraints that are threatening the sustainability of critical care programs.
“We have little funding to facilitate palliative care services for our clients. We therefore appeal to members of the community, corporate partners, and well-wishers to support our services financially,” Nakyanja said.
On July 22, 2025, Little Hospice Hoima hosted a memorial mass at its Kijungu-based facility in honor of the late Prof. Dr. Anne Merriman, the founder of Hospice Africa Uganda, who passed away in May this year. The service was attended by religious, medical, and community leaders from across the country.
Leading the memorial mass, Msgr. Bonaventure Kyaligonza, Episcopal Vicar of the Hoima Vicariate, urged young people to uphold the final wishes of deceased loved ones and avoid conflicts over inheritance.
“We ought to follow and respect death wills. If your parents said ‘bury me on this piece of land,’ don’t say it is prime land for selling. Dr. Anne wished that we plant a memorial tree and lay her ashes under it, and that’s what we shall do,” Msgr. Kyaligonza said.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Bishop Emeritus Wilson Nkuna Turumanya, retired district Khadi Sheikh Musa Babanja, and Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kalisa. The event celebrated Dr. Merriman’s legacy and renewed calls for continued support toward palliative care services in Uganda.
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