Ugandans living and working in the United Kingdom are rallying support for cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), where hundreds endure harsh conditions while waiting for treatment.
Many patients, unable to afford frequent travel back to their distant homes, are forced to sleep at the institute, often outdoors, to cut costs.
Several individuals interviewed by The Highflyer Report emphasized the urgent need for more space and a permanent shelter to accommodate these patients.
Offering a ray of hope, Kanate Roots, a UK-based NGO led by healthcare worker Susan Kaitesi, stepped in to donate an 100-seater tent worth Shs 20 million, along with food and hygiene supplies.
“We visited the children’s ward before coming here, then went to the adult cancer patients. While there, we were informed about an even worse situation outside,” Kaitesi recounted.
“We found people with stoma bags using plastic bags instead,women dripping with blood because they didn’t have sanitary pads,people sleeping outside under trees because they didn’t have anywhere to sleep whether it’s raining or it’s shining,” she added.
She highlighted the struggles of those traveling from far-off regions like Northern Uganda, who require treatment multiple times a week but cannot afford the constant back-and-forth travel.
“Imagine going through cancer and then sleeping under a tree. Because these people come from far like Northern Uganda and they come here to get treatment. But they come to get treatment three times a week and you can’t be travelling back and forth three times a week from Northern Uganda every day,”Kaitesi remarked.
Agnes Baku Chandia, the Commissioner in-charge of nursing at the Ministry of Health, revealed that the government is expediting the functionalization of regional cancer centres to improve access to care and reduce congestion at UCI.
“We thank our colleagues in the diaspora who have identified health as key and also bringing back home not only their expertise but support for our clients.”
“As a country we have taken note of NCDs and among them is cancer and we have a number of interventions in place including this hospital, equipment and training expertise as well as the establishment of regional cancer centers for preventive and curative means, in Kampala, Gulu, Mbarara and soon Mbale,” she remarked.
Currently,the 5 tents and a house that was formerly occupied by the Director Mulago Hospital host between 30-50 people who uncomfortably are sqeezed on the beds and floor.