Research Program
We engage in research aimed at improving the outcomes of children and young adults with cancer in Uganda. In our research projects, we work closely with the Division of Pediatrics at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Our research projects span the entire continuum of cancer care i.e., prevention and early diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and survivorships.
Aspects of cancer research that we engage in:
- Epidemiological studies on cancers among children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Etiological studies.
- Randomized Control Trials (both clinical and non-clinical).
- Behavioral studies.
- Basic sciences studies.
- Implementation science studies.
- Health Economics studies.
- Quality Improvement studies.
Infrastructure that supports our research program:
- Uganda Cancer Institute Research and Ethics Committee (UCI-REC): Provides oversight on the ethics conduct of research among cancer patients at the UCI.
- Office space for investigators.
- A team with experience in pre- and post-award grants management.
- Collaboration with the Division of Pediatrics at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).
- Childhood cancer survivors’ registry.
Research Projects:
PROJECT TITLE:
Enhancing Pediatric Cancer Care in Uganda with UCI-Ped-Reg and UCI-Ped-DASH
AIMS/OBJECTIVES:
- To support the implementation of an adapted hospital-based pediatric cancer registry (UCI-Ped-Reg) at the Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- To develop and implement an online interactive dashboard (UCI-Ped-DASH) for real-time data visualization from UCI-Ped-Reg.
- To assess the barriers and facilitators to implementation and adoption of UCI-Ped-Reg and UCI-Ped-DASH.
Aim 4: To Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of UCI-Ped-Reg and UCI-Ped-DASH.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):
Dr Racheal Angom
Dr Derrick Bary Abila
MENTOR(S):
Dr Joyce B. Kambugu
Dr Nixon Niyonzima
Dr Jackson Orem
Dr Nickhill Bhakta
SPONSOR(S):
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
PROJECT TITLE:
Improving the diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of children with leukemia at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) by developing and implementing an algorithm for diagnosis and monitoring prognosis
AIMS/OBJECTIVES:
- To understand the baseline practice of laboratory diagnosis and monitoring prognosis of patients with leukemia at the Pediatric Oncology Unit of Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Kampala, Uganda.
- To develop and implement an evidence-based algorithm for laboratory investigation, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment response for leukemia in children at the UCI.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):
Dr Veronica Nyakato
Mr Moses Echodu
Dr Derrick Bary Abila
PROJECT TITLE:
Enhancing Pathology Services for Improved Cancer Care in Uganda
AIM/OBJECTIVE:
- To conduct refresher training on pathology sample collection, packaging, and transportation for cadres of healthcare professionals who order pathology tests and/or process samples and interpret findings from these tests at UCI.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):
Dr Nixon Niyonzima
Dr Nyakato Veronica
Dr Derrick Bary Abila
SPONSOR(S):
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
PROJECT TITLE: Adapting to Life’s Challenges after Childhood Cancer
AIMS/OBJECTIVES:
- To update the register of childhood cancer survivors who completed treatment at Uganda Cancer Institute and St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor.
- To document the lived experiences and survivorship journeys of childhood cancer survivors in Uganda.
- To assess the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors
- To describe adherence to clinic visits at the childhood cancer survivorship clinic at the UCI
- To document the common signs and symptoms reported by childhood cancer survivors at the UCI -is there a way to combine signs and symptoms with the diagnosed condition or complication- 2 years post survivorship
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):
Dr. Candia Godwin Ivan
Dr. Derrick Bary Abila
Dr. Kayiira Anthony
Dr. Geriga Fadhil
Mr Anecho Ezra
Mr Kikonyogo Steven
Ms. Nambalirwa Priscilla
The AFRON team
SPONSOR(S):
AFRON Oncology for Africa Waldensian Evangelical Church
Conferences we participated in (presented and chaired panels):
2025
- 7 th African Health Economics & Policy Association (AfHEA) Conference 2025, March 10-14, 2025, in Kigali Rwanda.
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) 2025 conference, February 20-23, 2025 in Atlanta, USA.
- 4 th Global NCD Alliance Forum, February 13-15, 2025 in Kigali Rwanda.
Publications:
- Bakenga A, Natukunda B, Okuku F, Mubiru KR, Kakungulu E, Kyagulanyi E, Abila DB, Orem J. Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy in Uganda: a retrospective study. BMC cancer. 2024 Nov 14;24(1):1404.
- Abila DB, Wasukira SB, Ainembabazi P, Kiyingi EN, Chemutai B, Kyagulanyi E, Varsani J, Shindodi B, Kisuza RK, Niyonzima N. Coverage and socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening in low-and middle-income countries between 2010 and 2019. JCO Global Oncology. 2024 Jun;10:e2300385.
Conferences/Workshops/Trainings:
St. Jude Global Alliance Sub-Saharan Africa Convention
May 19-22, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya
Our leadership team (Mr Moses Echodu and Mr Ezra Anecho), in collaboration with the Paediatric Department at the Uganda Cancer Institute, participated in the St. Jude Global Alliance Sub-Saharan Africa Convention held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The St. Jude Global Alliance brings together medical institutions, foundations, and governments committed to advancing access to quality care and treatment for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases across Africa.
As Uganda Child Cancer Foundation, we were honored to share our community-based initiatives, particularly our Annual Childhood Cancer Colour Run, as a unique model for raising awareness, mobilizing public support, and fundraising to support children with cancer. It was a powerful moment of connection and collaboration with other stakeholders equally passionate about transforming childhood cancer care in Africa.
CUGH 2025 annual conference by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH)
February 20–23, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Link: https://www.cugh2025.org/
Dr. Anthony Kayiira presented his research on the situation analysis of oncofertility for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult populations in Uganda. This work was part of his LAUNCH Fogarty Fellowship program hosted by the University of Minnesota, USA under the Northern/Pacific Global Health Research Fellows Training Consortium is a partnership between the Universities of Washington, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota; with international partnerships in Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, Peru, Thailand, Nepal and India.
His work examines the current state of fertility preservation within Uganda’s cancer care system, identifying key challenges and opportunities to improve survivorship outcomes for young cancer patients. By integrating oncofertility services into oncology care, this research aims to contribute to more comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare solutions in low-resource settings.
Launch of the Hematology & Oncology Society of Uganda (HOSU)
February 14, 2025
Kampala, Uganda
Link: https://x.com/HemOnc_Uganda
The Hematology and Oncology Society of Uganda (HOSU) was officially launched on February 14, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala. This event marked a significant step forward in cancer care and support within the Ugandan healthcare system. The launch included an inaugural symposium.
HOSU aims to advance cancer care in Uganda by connecting and empowering hematology and oncology specialists, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, and promoting research. The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and potential collaborators, demonstrating a collaborative effort to combat cancer.
Our Executive Director, Mr Moses Echodu was elected into the inaugural HOSU committee as a civil society representative.
The 2025 Global NCD Alliance Forum
13-15 February
Kigali, Rwanda
Link: https://forum.ncdalliance.org/
The 2025 Global NCD Alliance Forum aimed to unite and mobilise noncommunicable disease (NCD) civil society to accelerate national, regional and global advocacy towards the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
UCCF had delegation of three i.e., Mr Ezra Anecho (Deputy Executive Director), Dr Godwin Candia (Clinical Coordinator), Ms Priscilla Nambalirwa (Education And Awareness Coordinator). During the forum, Mr Anecho moderated a pannel discussion on “Innovative financing: The power and potential to unlock more funding for NCDs in resource-constrained settings.” The pannel was organized by Novo Nordisk, MedAccess, and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA).
ALSAC Global Convening 2024 - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
December 14, 2024
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Link: https://global.stjude.org/en-us/global-alliance/about.html
Our Executive Director, Moses Echodu, represented us at the ALSAC Global Convening 2024 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
This annual event brings together global leaders in pediatric cancer care and research, fostering collaboration and innovation to improve outcomes for children fighting cancer worldwide. The ALSAC Global Convening 2024, a meeting of the St. Jude Global Alliance, brought together over 500 participants from 68 countries and 185 organizations to discuss ways to improve childhood cancer care worldwide. The convening focused on topics like research, access to medicines, and addressing global health disparities in childhood cancer.
We were honored to be part of this incredible gathering (represented by Mr. Moses Echodu, Executive Director) and look forward to gaining valuable insights and partnerships to further our mission of supporting children with cancer in Uganda.
World Cancer Congress 2025
September 14-19, 2024
Gevena, Switzerland
Link: https://www.worldcancercongress.org/programme/programme-2024
Our Executive Director Moses Echodu was in Geneva, Switzerland, where he delivered the opening remarks at the WHO-organized event, “Co-Creating Priorities for Cancer 2030 with People Affected by Cancer and Emerging Leaders.” The event was graced by notable figures, including Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization; Professor Jeff Dunn, President of the Union for International Cancer Control (Union for International Cancer Control (UICC); and Professor Jozef Suvada, WHO Executive Board member and Honorary Ambassador of Slovakia for Global Health.
National meeting to develop of a child and adolescent cancer control strategy in Uganda
August 5-8, 2024
Kampala, Uganda
The meeting was convened by the Uganda Cancer Institute, the World Health Organization, and St. Jude Global. It involved national and international stakeholders like St Jude Global Alliance, World Health Organization Uganda, Ministry of Health Uganda, Uganda Cancer Institute, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Regional Referral Hospitals in Uganda, Uganda Child Cancer Society, Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), Uganda Cancer Society, and many others.
The purpose of the meeting was to identify national priorities and strategies to cure and improve the quality of life of children and adolescents.
Our Executive Director, Mr Moses Echodu is part of the national steering committee overseeing implementation of childhood cancer control activities in Uganda under the Ministry of Health Uganda with support of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer Control (GICC) by World Health Organization.
SIOP Africa Congress 2024
June 4-8, 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa
Link: https://siopafrica.org/
The SIOP Africa conference serves as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences in pediatric oncology. It brings together renowned experts, dedicated healthcare professionals, passionate researchers, and supportive caregivers from across the continent and beyond. The theme was “Towards 2030.”
UCCF had a delegation of five with 4 oral abstract presentations detailed below.
- Brenda Barungi Banana: Comprehensive care: An analysis of the need and psychosocial support given to children with cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala.
- Derrick Bary Abila: Use of a population-based cancer registry to monitor trends of incidence of childhood and adolescent cancers in Kampala, Uganda.
- Joseline Akamumpa: Enhancing equity in childhood cancer care among children receiving care at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI): Strategies for resource mobilization in under-resourced settings.
- Priscila Nambalirwa: From classrooms to communities: The contribution of students in childhood cancer control in Uganda through the Children Caring for Cancer (3C) clubs.
During the conference, the UCCF team had the opportunity to connect with organizations and foundations with an interest in childhood cancer control, like Childhood Cancer International, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital & St Jude Global team, and delegates from around the world.
ASCO 2024 annual meeting (organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO)
May 31 to June 4, 2024
Chicago, Illinois, United States
The ASCO annual meeting is a global gathering where oncology professionals connect, collaborate, and inspire. Known for advancing the field, this must-attend event offers an experience unlike any other, bringing together the best minds to shape the future of cancer care.
Our Executive Director, Mr Moses Echodu attended the ASCO 2024 meeting and represented the voices of those with lived experience cancer. This was through engagement in various side events and symposia.
14th International Workshop on HIV & Women 2024
April 12-13, 2024
Washington D.C., United States
Link: https://academicmedicaleducation.com/programs/international-workshop-on-hiv-women-2024
It is an outstanding opportunity for healthcare providers, researchers, government, industry, and community representatives to discuss, debate, and further their knowledge on the issues related to HIV and women.
Derrick Bary Bary, the Research Program Manager at UCCF, presented two abstracts during the workshop (oral and poster).
Oral: Seroprevalence and Correlates of Co-infection with HIV and Active Syphilis Among Women Sic Sub-Saharan African Countries: Results from Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIAs)
Poster: Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Coverage of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With HIV in Five Low- And Middle-Income Countries (LMICS): An Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys Between 2010 and 2019
1st African Workshop on HIV & Women 2024
February 22-23, 2024
Nairobi, Kenya
Link: https://academicmedicaleducation.com/programs/african-workshop-on-hiv-women-2024
The primary purpose of this workshop is to support changes that will provide a better quality of life for women living with HIV and reduce HIV transmissions in the region. The workshop also provides a forum for early-career investigators to present their research and to personally meet with experts they view as mentors and inspiration for their work.
Dr Derrick Bary Abila, the Research Program Manager at UCCF, presented an oral abstract.
Abstract title: Socio-Economic Inequalities in the Coverage of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With HIV in Five Low- And Middle-Income Countries (LMICS): An Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys Between 2010 and 2019
Partners:
