Abstract

Genetic research on cancer in East Africa holds great potential for advancing understanding of the disease, enabling 
personalized treatment, and improving outcomes. However, the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) 
surrounding such research are significant and multifaceted, particularly in the context of East African nations like 
Uganda and Kenya. Key challenges include ensuring informed consent, addressing privacy concerns, clarifying data 
ownership, and promoting the equitable sharing of research benefits. The region's unique socio-economic and 
cultural landscapes, combined with its limited infrastructure, exacerbate these issues. Furthermore, there are 
concerns about the exploitation of local populations, particularly in studies conducted by international partners. 
This review examines these ELSI challenges and provides recommendations for addressing them, ensuring that 
cancer research in East Africa is conducted ethically, benefits local communities, and leads to improvements in cancer 
care. Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing local research capacity, and fostering equitable 
partnerships are critical to advancing ethical genetic research in the region.