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Preventable toxins and low screening rates fuel cancer surge in Northern Uganda

2 April 2026, 12:38 pm

Section of leaders from Gulu city on a courtesy visit to Uganda Cancer Institute Koro branch Gulu city

By Gift Okello

Health experts and local leaders are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in liver cancer cases across Northern Uganda, pointing to poorly stored food and preventable infections as the primary culprits.

Officials from the Uganda Cancer Institute have linked the regional spike to high levels of Hepatitis B and chronic exposure to aflatoxins poisonous carcinogens produced by Mold that grows on improperly stored crops like grains and nuts.

Dr. Fadhil Giriga, a specialist at the UCI, identified aflatoxin contamination as a major driver of liver disease in the region. He noted that traditional food handling practices, particularly storing produce for long periods in damp or unsafe conditions, are inadvertently exposing thousands to lethal toxins.

Dr Fadhil Gariga a specialist at the cancer institute Koro branch Gulu city explaining on liver cancer

Beyond liver health, Dr. Giriga expressed deep concern over the underutilization of breast cancer screening services. Despite the availability of a modern mammography machine at the facility, the number of women seeking early detection remains dangerously low.

Dr. Fadhil Gariga explaining on the surge of breast cancer and late cancer screening by members of the public.
Dr Fadhil Gariga on the left listens as UCI staff explaining about the functionality of the machines at the institute to leaders of Gulu city at UCI Koro on April 1 2026.

The UCI emphasized that while the institute is fully equipped to provide life-saving screenings and treatment, the “silent” nature of the disease combined with low turnout is leading to a surge in late-stage diagnoses.

The health crisis has prompted a call to action from Gulu City’s political leadership. During a recent visit to the Institute, Mayor-elect Acire Julius Labeja Gunya urged a bridge between public health interventions and scientific research.

He specifically called on the public To enforce stricter hygiene and storage protocols, To adopt better handling techniques to minimize mold growth and  To remain vigilant about the quality of the food they consume.

Gulu city Mayor elect,Labeja Julius Acire commonly known as Gunya speaking on liver cancer and food management.
A staff of UCI explaining on functionality of the Mammography machine for cancer screening at the Koro cancer institute in Gulu city on 1 April 2026.

Accompanying the Mayor-elect, the Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament highlighted the physical strain on the current facility. Observing the growing influx of patients, she advocated for the urgent expansion of the institute, including the acquisition of more land for infrastructure and staff housing to better serve the region.

Rt Hon Betty Aol Ocan woman MP Gulu city speaking on the acquisition of more land for the Koro cancer institute.

Authorities believe the tide can be turned through pronged strategy by combating stigma and encourage screening, to provide accessible care for those already affected.

As the burden of cancer grows in Northern Uganda, the message from health experts is clear: prevention through better nutrition and early screening is no longer optional it is a matter of survival.