It is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that we welcome you to the 5th Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care taking place from September 10 to 12, 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo. This event promises to be a landmark occasion, bringing together an exceptional gathering of professionals, experts, and advocates from around the world. Our collective focus will be on exploring and addressing the most pressing challenges in cancer care and palliative care within Uganda and the broader African context.

This year’s theme, “Embracing Uniqueness and Empowering Communities,” encapsulates the core mission of this conference: to foster collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to tackling the complex issues surrounding cancer and palliative care. This year’s theme was carefully chosen to reflect our collective commitment to ensuring that cancer and palliative care services are inclusive, patient-centered, and accessible to everyone regardless of socio-economic status, age, cultural background, geographical location, or even displacement as refugees.

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At the heart of this conference is the recognition that care is not just about those receiving it but also about those providing it. We celebrate the incredible diversity of healthcare providers, caregivers, policymakers, and organizations who bring unique approaches to service delivery. Through their dedication and innovation, they help navigate the complex challenges of cancer and palliative care, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Together, we have the opportunity to strengthen community-led solutions, promote equity, and create sustainable systems that support those facing serious illnesses. We look forward to engaging, learning, and working alongside each of you to drive meaningful change.

The conference will be organized around three key pillars: Convene, Collaborate, and Empower.

• Convene: We are delighted to host a diverse array of distinguished local and international experts who will share cutting-edge research, treatment strategies, and case studies in the fields of cancer care and palliative care. Their insights will help inform and shape the future of cancer care in Uganda, especially in underserved regions where access to healthcare remains limited. This gathering will serve as a platform for creating lasting connections and opening new channels for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
• Collaborate: Our aim is not only to disseminate information but also to encourage the development of long-lasting partnerships across various sectors. Cancer care cannot be addressed by any single institution, organization, or discipline alone. Whether from the fields of healthcare, policy, research, or community engagement, each of us has a vital role to play in improving the landscape of cancer care and palliative support. We hope this conference will spark new collaborations and ignite innovative solutions that will benefit individuals, families, and communities across Uganda and beyond.
• Empower: Finally, at the heart of our mission is the empowerment of communities to take active roles in cancer prevention, care, and management. It is crucial that we not only focus on improving clinical care but also empower local populations to be informed and proactive in their health. By strengthening the knowledge and resources available at the community level, we can begin to address the disparities in cancer outcomes, ensuring that everyone regardless of their geographic or socio-economic status has access to the care and support they need.

We firmly believe that your involvement in this conference will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer and palliative care in Uganda. Whether through sharing expertise, contributing innovative ideas, or fostering new networks, your participation will contribute to advancing the quality of care for cancer patients across the country.

The work we do today, as part of this collective effort, will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of millions of Ugandans. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind, where cancer and palliative care is comprehensive, equitable, and accessible to all.

We look forward to engaging with you in these critical discussions, exploring new solutions, and building the foundations for a healthier, more resilient Uganda.