STATE HOUSE, ENTEBBE: 25 AUGUST 2026— The Cabinet of Uganda has approved a proposal to borrow €31.98 million (approximately UGX 139 billion) from the French Republic to construct and equip the Uganda Cancer Institute’s Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre.
The decision was among several key resolutions passed during the 8th Cabinet meeting held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at State House, Entebbe, chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, outlined the government’s latest policy and administrative approvals.
Decentralizing Cancer Care
Highlighting the urgency of cancer interventions, official statistics for 2025 reveal that Uganda records approximately 36,000 new cancer cases annually. However, only 8,764 of those patients accessed care at the main Uganda Cancer Institute facility in Mulago. Furthermore, between 80% and 87% of patients present with advanced-stage disease.
The new Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre aims to decentralize specialized oncology services to the western region, expanding access to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and referral pathways, thereby reducing the financial burden on patients traveling to Kampala or seeking treatment abroad.
Hosting Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting
Cabinet also approved preparations for Uganda to host the final statutory ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from December 2 to 4, 2026. Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for the 2024–2027 term following the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala.
To ensure smooth organization, Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the organizing committee and its technical subcommittees, approving a budget of UGX 3,869,005,000 for hosting the international event.
Key Appointments & Observances
Surveyors Registration Board: Four new members were appointed to the Surveyors Registration Board under the Surveyors Registration Act (Cap. 330) to oversee professional standards and land administration. The approved board members are Dr. Sophia Nagujja Mugumbu, Mr. Okwana Daniel, Ms. Alowo Patricia Namulembwa, and Mr. Kyalirizo Anthony Mark.
International Day of Older Persons: Arrangements were approved to observe the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2026, under the theme “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.” The event will be hosted virtually from State House, Entebbe, with President Museveni serving as the Chief Guest.
Agricultural Fertilizers: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) was authorized to proceed with the procurement and national distribution of fertilizers to support strategic crop production and bolster beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
