Gulu Regional Cancer Centre has appointed its first substantive director, marking a major step in strengthening cancer care services for Northern Uganda.
On Monday, Dr. Geria Fadhil, a pediatric oncologist with 15 years of experience at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), officially assumed office as Director of the facility.
Dr. Fadhil takes over from Amos Obote, who has managed the centre since it opened two years ago.
The handover ceremony, held at the centre in Gulu City, was presided over by UCI Deputy Director Dr. Victoria Walusansa, who praised Obote for laying the foundation and explained the rationale for appointing Dr. Fadhil.
“This institution requires somebody more clinical and advanced in leadership and care. Dr. Fadhil has shown himself to be a good leader, a strong researcher, and one of our lead trainers in pediatric oncology,” she said.
Dr. Walusansa noted that services at the facility have expanded significantly, with staffing rising from just five at its opening to over 70 today, requiring a leader of Dr. Fadhil’s experience.
She added that Obote’s background in health education and community engagement will remain vital for reaching patients and families across the region.
“This is like a mini cancer institute here. Patients can now access chemotherapy and other services without travelling long distances to Kampala. Cancer care is continuous, and it is important that people can get the support they need close to home,” she said.
Dr. Fadhil expressed gratitude to UCI for entrusting him with the role, describing it as not just “a gesture of trust, but also a gesture of big responsibility.”
He pledged to anchor his leadership on UCI’s three core pillars: patient care, training, and research.
“I will coordinate and deliver the mandate of the Uganda Cancer Institute to the population of this region. My vision is to strengthen services so that people in Northern Uganda never have to think of going to Kampala for treatment, but can get all they need from this centre,” said Dr. Fadhil.
He acknowledged gaps in radiotherapy services but expressed optimism that equipment would be established during his tenure.
Outgoing caretaker head Obote highlighted the centre’s progress since it began operations in August 2023, noting that it now handles 300–350 chemotherapy infusions per month and over 200 patient visits.
He said care at the centre is fully integrated with UCI in Kampala, ensuring patients receive the same standard of treatment. However, about 30% of those requiring radiotherapy are still referred to the national centre.
Obote said he would now focus on strengthening community cancer care, particularly awareness and early detection.
Established with €7.5 million, the first phase of Gulu Regional Cancer Centre opened in August 2023, with a mandate to decentralise specialised cancer treatment and ease the patient load at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a CT scanner, mammogram, ultrasound, and X-ray. The government expects to add a radiotherapy bunker in the second phase of construction, a crucial step in offering comprehensive treatment.
