The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has unveiled a new brand identity dubbed “Life. Reimagined.”, marking a new chapter for Uganda’s national referral facility for cancer care, research, prevention and training.
The new identity was launched on Thursday, September 10, 2026, as UCI highlighted major advances in cancer treatment and access to specialised care across the country.
The rebrand comes after the Institute achieved a major milestone in 2026 by performing Uganda’s first-ever autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) on a patient with Multiple Myeloma.
Previously, Ugandans requiring the procedure had to travel abroad, including to India, South Africa or Europe, at an estimated cost of between USD 30,000 and USD 50,000, excluding travel and accommodation.
Dr Henry Ddungu, Senior Consultant Haematologist at UCI, described the achievement as a victory for the country.
“This is not just a win for the Uganda Cancer Institute, but a win for every Ugandan. We have proven that with the right investment in technology and human capital, we can treat the most complex cancers right here at home in Uganda,” he said.
UCI plans to progressively expand the transplant programme to cover other blood-related cancers, including lymphoma and certain leukaemias, as clinical capacity and patient numbers increase.
The new brand identity follows a year of significant growth at the Institute.
In 2025, UCI registered 8,764 new patients, representing a 10.3 percent increase from 2024. Its outpatient department recorded 67,043 visits, averaging approximately 278 patients per day.
The Institute’s laboratory also processed more than two million biochemistry tests and over 110,000 haematology tests during the same period.
Regional cancer centres also recorded increased patient numbers. The Gulu Regional Cancer Centre registered 927 new patients, a 71 percent increase, while Mbarara registered 1,306 new patients, representing a 15 percent increase.
According to UCI, the figures reflect growing demand for cancer services and its efforts to decentralise specialised cancer care across Uganda.
UCI says the new identity is more than a change in its visual appearance. It is intended to reshape how cancer care is experienced by placing patients, survivors, families, healthcare workers and communities at the centre of its story.
“For decades, UCI has stood as a symbol of excellence in cancer care. Today, we are building on that legacy by creating a future where every cancer journey is met with dignity, compassion and hope,” said Jackson Orem, Executive Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute.
The Life. Reimagined. platform seeks to challenge the perception of cancer as solely a story of fear and uncertainty, instead highlighting courage, resilience and possibilities throughout the cancer journey.
UCI says the campaign will feature survivor stories, healthcare worker experiences, research highlights and community engagement initiatives.
The public will also be encouraged to share stories of survival, hope and support using the hashtag #LifeReimagined.
The Institute is also investing in infrastructure and clinical capacity as it works to expand cancer services.
A 350-bed Main Hospital Building, a Multipurpose Building supported by the African Development Bank, and a Molecular Imaging and PET Centre are currently under construction.
UCI is further expanding its regional presence, with new cancer centres planned for Mbale and Arua, alongside continued development of services in Mbarara.
The 80-bed Gulu Regional Cancer Centre is already operational.
UCI has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) under the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (AOMC), aimed at improving access to affordable, quality-assured cancer medicines in Uganda.
Established in 1967, the Uganda Cancer Institute has evolved from a cancer treatment centre into a centre of excellence focused on specialised treatment, research, innovation and capacity building.
The launch of Life. Reimagined. marks what UCI describes as a new chapter focused on transforming more lives and advancing cancer care in Uganda and the region.
