Doctors Warn of Rising Non-Communicable Disease Cases in Uganda
New hospital data shows a sharp increase in diabetes and hypertension diagnoses over the past five years, particularly in urban areas.
Doctors at several major hospitals in Kampala are warning of a steady rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers, with urban lifestyle changes cited as a key driver.
Data reviewed from Mulago National Referral Hospital shows outpatient visits related to hypertension have nearly doubled over the past five years.
"We are seeing patients in their 30s with conditions we used to associate mainly with much older age groups," said a senior physician at the hospital.
Health officials are calling for expanded screening programmes and public awareness campaigns around diet and physical activity.