Uganda Invests Shs 180 Billion in Advanced PET Scan Facility to Enhance Cancer Diagnosis

Uganda is set to significantly upgrade its cancer diagnostic capabilities with a Shs 180 billion investment in a new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan and nuclear medicine facility at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

This substantial funding will equip the facility with three PET machines and a cyclotron, a specialized unit for producing the radioactive tracers essential for PET imaging. The first PET machine is anticipated to arrive this month, with the entire facility expected to be operational by year-end.

The investment comes at a critical time, as the UCI is experiencing a surge in patient numbers. In 2025, the institute saw 8,764 new patients, a 10% increase from the previous year, alongside 67,000 outpatient visits. This expansion aims to alleviate the strain on existing resources and improve diagnostic accuracy.

PET scans offer a more detailed view than conventional imaging, detecting disease at the cellular level by tracking the metabolic activity of tissues. This advanced technology can identify cancerous cells, determine the extent of disease spread, and monitor treatment effectiveness, a crucial step in overcoming diagnostic challenges.

While the PET facility represents a major leap forward, health officials emphasize it is part of a broader strategy. The project also includes nuclear medicine treatment units and a recently installed SPECT scanner. Furthermore, the government is enhancing other services at UCI, including interventional radiology and endoscopy suites, alongside expansions in inpatient, outpatient, and radiotherapy services.

This development aims to reduce Uganda’s reliance on specialized diagnostic services abroad, a common necessity for many African nations. With fewer than 10 of Africa’s 54 countries possessing PET-CT scanners, this investment positions Uganda as a leader in advanced medical imaging on the continent.

Beyond the UCI, the government is establishing regional cancer centers in Arua, Mbale, Mbarara, and Gulu to decentralize cancer care. However, officials caution that early detection remains paramount, as even advanced technology is less effective when cancer is diagnosed at later stages.

This initiative is a significant step towards improving cancer care and outcomes for Ugandans, making advanced diagnostics more accessible and potentially saving lives through earlier and more accurate detection. The investment promises to bring cutting-edge medical technology closer to home for thousands of patients annually.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-bets-shs180bn-on-pet-scans