What you need to know:
- On September 7, the CT scan results confirmed a hepatic mass, with clinical findings pointing to adenocarcinoma. Seeking specialized care, Mugarura presented his case to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), where oncologists formally diagnosed him with intrahepatic adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that originates within the bile ducts of the liver.
For three decades, Alex Mugarura has dedicated his life to shaping young minds in the classroom. Today, the veteran teacher at Kololo Secondary School faces the toughest battle of his life as he appeals to well-wishers and the public for financial support to undergo life-saving liver cancer treatment in India.
Mugarura’s long health struggle began in 2005, when persistent stomach pain first emerged. Over the years, medical staff at various health facilities managed his condition as peptic ulcer disease, prescribing treatments that offered only fleeting comfort.
A ray of concern appeared in 2008 when an ultrasound scan at Rugarama Hospital in Kabale, western Uganda, revealed a mass on his liver. However, because the physical discomfort remained mild and manageable, Mugarura continued his daily routine, taking ulcer medications whenever the pain recurred.
The situation turned critical on August 10 this year, when severe, persistent joint pain and body weakness set in. Seeking urgent relief, Mugarura visited several health facilities where tests for malaria returned negative, and standard treatments failed to ease his suffering.
A series of diagnostic investigations followed in quick succession. On August 19, medical staff at Sebbi Hospital in Nansana conducted scans on his liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and urinary bladder, yet the root cause of his agony remained elusive.
He was subsequently referred to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where a follow-up ultrasound scan re-identified the liver mass. Doctors then directed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital for an advanced computed tomography (CT) scan.
On September 7, the CT scan results confirmed a hepatic mass, with clinical findings pointing to adenocarcinoma. Seeking specialized care, Mugarura presented his case to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), where oncologists formally diagnosed him with intrahepatic adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that originates within the bile ducts of the liver.
Since August alone, the overwhelming sequence of diagnostic procedures, tests, and hospital visits has cost Mugarura approximately Shs7m, completely exhausting his savings.
"I am planning to go to India for further treatment, which is very expensive. That is why I am requesting support from the public," Mugarura says.
Medical estimates show that Mugarura requires Shs145m to cover specialized oncological treatment, overseas travel, and living expenses in India.
Well-wishers wishing to offer financial relief can reach and support him directly via Mobile Money on 0772482838 (registered in the name of Alex Mugarura) or through his Centenary Bank account, 3205643875.