Health-Care Funding in Focus as Parliament Questions Long-Delayed Oncology-Centre Projects
Kampala, Uganda
Members of Parliament recently raised concerns over prolonged delays in completion of several health-facility projects funded externally — initiatives that include planned oncology centres in Arua and Mbale. The scrutiny comes as a proposed government loan of UGX 165.69 billion to finance construction and equipment of these centres was under debate. Critics argue that past government projects, funded externally, have suffered from mismanagement and have remained unfinished for over a decade — casting doubt on the viability of new ones.
Committee members pointed out that despite external funding and pledges, several previously funded health-sector infrastructure works remain stalled or abandoned. There is concern that without clear counterpart funding, oversight, and accountability mechanisms, the new oncology centres could suffer similar fates — leaving patients waiting for specialized care that may never materialize.
Why it matters
Oncology centres are a critical component of Uganda’s fight against cancer — a rising public-health challenge requiring accessible, well-equipped facilities for diagnosis, treatment and care. Delays or failure to deliver these centres deny patients access to essential health services, especially in regional areas, exacerbating health inequities.
With the population growing and non-communicable diseases increasing, timely completion of health infrastructure is vital for meeting the country’s long-term health needs — reducing mortality, improving care, and easing burden on national referral hospitals.
What to watch
Whether the government and Ministry of Health commit counterpart funds and concrete timelines — and whether loan agreements tied to the new oncology-centre projects include enforceable milestones and oversight. How oversight bodies, civil society and media monitor project progress and hold authorities accountable. Whether the construction and equipping of the centres begins soon and if local communities are involved in planning for sustainability (staffing, operations, maintenance). And whether these efforts are coupled with broader health-system strengthening — supply of medicines, trained health personnel, and community-level outreach — to ensure long-term impact.
