Uganda has marked a historic medical breakthrough, with the country’s first bone marrow transplant patient now successfully discharged

26 April 2026, 4:13 pm

By Annet Nakato

Uganda has reached a major milestone in specialized healthcare, with the successful discharge of its first bone marrow transplant patient at the Uganda Cancer Institute.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng hailed the achievement as a turning point in Uganda’s medical history as she witnessed the discharge of Sande Stephen, 22 days after the life-saving procedure.“This marks the beginning of a new era in Uganda’s healthcare,” Aceng said.

“For a long time, such treatment meant traveling abroad at a high cost, but today it is being done here at home by Ugandans.

She noted that the procedure, which can cost over $30,000 abroad, was carried out locally at about $15,000 and funded by the government, easing the financial burden on patients and reducing referrals outside the country.

The Minister also emphasized the need for increased investment in specialized services to sustain and expand such breakthroughs.

Stephen who was treated for multiple myeloma expressed gratitude to the government and the medical team for supporting him throughout the treatment process.

He said the journey from severe illness to recovery was not easy, but he chose to trust the doctors and follow their guidance.

Stephen noted that the care and attention he received from the medical team gave him confidence and strength during the most difficult moments of his treatment.

I trusted the doctors, and today I am going home stronger,” he said, urging Ugandans to believe in local expertise and seek treatment within the country.

The Executive Director of the institute, Jackson Orem, described the development as a significant but carefully managed clinical milestone.

This has been a long and delicate process, but it demonstrates that we now have the capacity to carry out highly specialized procedures here in Uganda,” Orem said.

He added that the achievement is only the beginning, with plans to strengthen the transplant program and expand access to advanced cancer care.

The government is also rolling out regional cancer centres across the country to bring services closer to patients, in line with broader efforts to strengthen the health system.

Experts say the breakthrough not only improves cancer treatment but also opens opportunities for managing other conditions through transplant and cellular therapy.

This is not just about one patient,” Aceng said. “It is about restoring hope and building confidence in Uganda’s healthcare system.”