By Ben Musanje
The Ministry of Health has intensified its nationwide campaign to encourage regular physical activity and healthier lifestyles after revealing that Ugandans continue to consume more salt than recommended, alongside other risk factors that are driving an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking during a press conference held at Lourdel Tower ahead of the National Day of Physical Activity scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, Director of Public Health Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze warned that non-communicable diseases have become one of Uganda’s biggest public health challenges, accounting for more than one-third of all deaths in the country.
The briefing was organized to highlight Uganda’s response to NCDs and outline activities planned for this year’s National Day of Physical Activity, which will, for the first time, be hosted in Gulu City instead of Kampala.
Dr. Kyabayinze said non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory illnesses continue to claim millions of lives globally and are increasingly affecting Uganda’s population.
“Globally, non-communicable diseases account for 41 million deaths annually, representing about 74 percent of all deaths. Here in Uganda, about 35 percent of all deaths are due to non-communicable diseases, while every Ugandan has a 22 percent probability of dying prematurely from one of the major NCDs,” he said.
He attributed the growing burden largely to unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diets, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use and physical inactivity.
Excessive salt intake
Among the worrying findings presented by the ministry was the high level of salt consumption among Ugandans.
Dr. Kyabayinze said findings from the Uganda National NCD Risk Factors Survey (STEPS Survey) indicate that Ugandans consume more salt than health experts recommend, increasing their risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease.
He noted that while the recommended daily intake is about five grams or less, many Ugandans continue to exceed that amount.
The Ministry of Health urged households to reduce the amount of salt used during food preparation and avoid processed foods with high sodium content.
“We are consuming too much salt every day. Reducing salt intake is one of the simplest ways of preventing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases,” Dr. Kyabayinze said.
Lifestyle habits raising concern
The survey also paints a worrying picture of other lifestyle risk factors.
According to the ministry, 31 percent of Ugandans engage in harmful alcohol consumption, with around 10 percent living with alcohol-related disorders. Uganda is currently ranked fifth globally in alcohol consumption by volume.
Meanwhile, eight percent of Ugandans either smoke or chew tobacco, with tobacco use increasingly affecting teenagers.
The ministry further revealed that 23.4 percent of adults have raised blood pressure requiring treatment, yet nearly 70 percent of them are unaware they are living with hypertension.
About three percent of Ugandans have diabetes, 19 percent are overweight and 9.8 percent are obese.
Dr. Kyabayinze also expressed concern that despite Uganda’s favourable climate and abundant agricultural production, 88 percent of Ugandans do not consume adequate quantities of fruits and vegetables.
“We are blessed with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, yet the majority of Ugandans are not eating enough of them,” he said.
Urban lifestyles increasing health risks
Although the national survey found that only about three percent of Ugandans are physically inactive, inactivity rises sharply to 16 percent among urban residents, highlighting the growing impact of sedentary lifestyles in towns and cities.
The ministry also cited low uptake of preventive health services.
Only 23 percent of women aged between 30 and 49 years have ever undergone cervical cancer screening, despite government recommendations that every woman within that age group should be screened regularly.
Among adults aged 40 to 69 years, nearly 18 percent face a high ten-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The ministry further highlighted the burden posed by other chronic illnesses.
According to the data, about 13.3 percent of Ugandans carry the sickle cell trait, while close to one percent have sickle cell disease.
An estimated 10 to 20 percent of school-going children suffer from asthma, with the condition being more common in urban areas.
In rural communities, between eight and 16 percent of women suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mainly linked to prolonged exposure to smoke from biomass fuels used for cooking.
Dr. Kyabayinze also noted that cervical, prostate and breast cancers remain among Uganda’s leading cancers.
Mental health is another growing concern, with approximately five million Ugandans estimated to be living with depressive disorders, while about 1.1 million experience anxiety disorders.
He said social and economic pressures, coupled with alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, especially among young people, continue to contribute to mental illness, accidents and premature deaths.
Government promoting physical activity
To address these growing health challenges, the Ministry of Health is intensifying promotion of physical exercise as one of the most effective and affordable preventive measures.
Dr. Kyabayinze described physical activity as any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure, including walking, cycling, sports, household work and occupational activities.
He said regular exercise helps prevent and delay progression of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, breast and colon cancers, depression and several other chronic conditions.
Beyond health, he noted that physically active populations are more productive at work, experience fewer sick days and incur lower healthcare costs.
“Physical activity is not only treatment but also prevention. It improves both physical and mental wellbeing and should be prioritized by individuals, institutions and government,” he said.
The ministry recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, regardless of age or health status.
National Day of Physical Activity
Dr. Kyabayinze said the National Day of Physical Activity was established in 2018 following approval by President Yoweri Museveni and Cabinet to encourage Ugandans to embrace active lifestyles.
This year’s celebrations will take place in Gulu City under activities including aerobics, a five-kilometre walk, a ten-kilometre run, cycling, football, volleyball and netball.
He encouraged all Ugandans to participate wherever they are.
The ministry has also developed National Physical Activity Guidelines and introduced the Presidential Guide on Healthy Diet based on locally available foods.
Additionally, the Head of Public Service has directed all government ministries, departments and agencies to institutionalize workplace physical activity.
Exercise should be daily
Commissioner for Non-Communicable Diseases Dr. Charles Akiya Oyoo stressed that the annual event and weekly workplace exercises are only symbolic reminders and should not replace daily physical activity.
“Generally, you need at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week if you cannot do it daily. The National Day of Physical Activity and workplace exercise sessions are not enough on their own. Physical activity must become a personal lifestyle,” he said.
He emphasized that the recommended 30 minutes should be continuous rather than broken into several short sessions and should involve exercising the entire body to maximize health benefits.
Dr. Oyoo also called on ministries, local governments, schools, workplaces and other stakeholders to work together in reducing exposure to NCD risk factors, noting that health facilities usually see patients only after they have already developed disease.
Making fitness more accessible
Responding to questions on access to gyms, Senior Medical Officer for NCD Prevention and Control Dr. James Ocakacon said government is engaging different sectors through the national multisectoral committee on NCDs to improve regulation and affordability of fitness facilities.
He revealed that the Ministry of Health is considering measures such as tax waivers on gym equipment to reduce costs and make fitness centres more accessible to the public.
“We shall work together with the relevant ministries because fitness is an important part of disease prevention. Government is exploring possible regulations and tax incentives for gym facilities and equipment to make them more affordable. This is still work in progress,” he said.
Call for healthier lifestyles
The Ministry of Health urged Ugandans to adopt healthier habits by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing salt, sugar and processed foods, avoiding tobacco in all forms and limiting alcohol consumption.
The ministry also encouraged routine medical check-ups and screening for hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer and other chronic conditions for early detection and treatment.
Health workers, schools, workplaces, the media, private sector and other government agencies were urged to support creation of environments that encourage active living, healthy eating and public awareness.
Dr. Kyabayinze concluded that reversing the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases will require collective action beyond the health sector.
“Together, let us create an environment that supports and encourages active living, thereby reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and promoting the wellbeing of all Ugandans,” he said. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
