UCI specialist warns against using kaveras for food handling amid rising cancer cases in Lango,

4 August 2025, 3:27 pm

By Dickens Aruca

A public health specialist at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has cautioned the public against the use of polythene bags, commonly known as kaveras, for storing or handling food, citing a growing link to rising cancer cases in the Lango Sub-region.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Wa’s news desk, Dr. Richard Ekwan expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer patients in the region. He attributed part of the problem to the widespread use of kaveras to package or store edibles.

He warned that many of these polythene bags are made from harmful chemicals that can filter into the food and eventually enter the human body.

He noted that despite government campaigns discouraging the use of kaveras, many people in the region continue to prefer them over safer alternatives like paper bags.

In addition to poor food storage practices, Dr. Ekwan also cited the misuse of agricultural chemicals as another major contributor to the cancer burden in the region.

He advised farmers to always wear protective gear when applying chemicals to food crops and to adhere to safety instructions.

According to Dr. Ekwan, the most common types of cancer reported in Lango include prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility among individuals, families, and local authorities in preventing cancer through safer practices and early screening.

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