The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has hosted a high-level delegation from Burundi’s health sector and the Rotary Club of Burundi on a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening cancer care services in the neighboring country.
The visit was brokered by Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of regional health diplomacy efforts to enhance cross-border collaboration in cancer treatment, training, and research.
The delegation, led by Ms. Anne Babinaga from the Uganda Embassy in Bujumbura, included senior officials from Burundi’s Ministry of Health and the leadership of CMCK Cancer Hospital, Burundi’s main cancer treatment facility. Among them were Dr. Ernest Uwezo, Technical Advisor at Burundi’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Alexis Manirakiza, Head of Oncology at CMCK, and Dr. Pascal Barahandwa, Director of CMCK Hospital.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with UCI Executive Director Dr. Jackson Orem and the institute’s technical teams to benchmark clinical services, diagnostic systems, and human resource training models, hospital governance, and research infrastructure. Discussions focused on how UCI’s experience could support capacity building and service improvement at CMCK Cancer Hospital.
UCI leadership highlighted the institute’s vision of serving as a regional hub for cancer care, offering specialized referrals, training, mentorship, and technical support to neighboring countries. The delegation was also briefed on Uganda’s decentralization model, including the establishment of regional cancer centers in Gulu, Arua, Mbale, and Mbarara, aimed at improving access and reducing congestion at the Kampala facility.
The involvement of Rotary Burundi highlighted the role of civil society and philanthropy in cancer prevention, early detection, and resource mobilization.
As a key outcome of the visit, the parties agreed to develop a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Burundi through its Ministry of Health, and Rotary Burundi. The MoU will guide collaboration in cancer care, training, research, and institutional strengthening, with a draft expected by early February 2026.
The visit was described as a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation in cancer control, positioning UCI as a Centre of excellence supporting oncology services beyond Uganda’s borders.
