For years, the pictures coming out of Uganda Cancer Institute have looked more or less the same. Doctors. White coats. Patients. Hospital corridors. Machines. Serious faces. Serious statistics. So when a series of rather unexpected photographs began appearing online this week, questions understandably arise.
What exactly is happening at UCI?
The photographs show familiar UCI faces looking noticeably different, more relaxed, more contemporary and, frankly, a little more stylish than the UCI most Ugandans are accustomed to seeing. One accompanying message simply says:
“We are switching things up!” Another says ““Tuleesee vybe empya? For an institution that has spent years at the centre of Uganda’s difficult conversation about cancer, it is an intriguing change of tone. But the timing is particularly interesting. Because UCI has itself been changing. The institute describes a growing programme of advanced cancer care that now includes molecular imaging and therapy, advanced radiotherapy, research, training and regional expansion.
Its SPECT-CT facility is already operational, while a PET facility is being developed.
UCI is also investing in infrastructure to accommodate growing patient numbers, including a planned 350-bed specialised cancer hospital. So perhaps the pictures aren’t really about clothes. Perhaps they’re a hint that something at UCI is changing. We just don’t know exactly what yet.
