Experts raise alarm over rising lung disease burden

Experts have raised concern over the growing burden of lung diseases in Uganda, warning that chronic respiratory conditions are affecting thousands of people.

The concerns were raised during the launch of the Lung Health Alliance, which will advocate for better prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with lung diseases.

Dr Ivan Kimuli, a respiratory physician at the Makerere University Lung Institute and chairperson of the Alliance, said Uganda is witnessing a steady rise in chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, occupational lung diseases, lung cancer and post-tuberculosis (post-TB) lung disease.

"We are seeing many patients with chronic respiratory illnesses. We also receive patients suffering from lung cancer and complications after recovering from tuberculosis, commonly referred to as post-TB lung disease," Kimuli said.

He noted that many patients continue to struggle even after treatment because of long-term complications that limit their ability to breathe normally and carry out daily activities.

"Many of them are unable to perform routine physical tasks and are often stigmatised because they cough persistently. This affects their quality of life and makes them feel excluded from their communities," he said.

Kimuli explained that while chronic lung diseases mainly affect adults, children continue to bear the burden of acute respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Experts warned that increasing exposure to environmental pollution and toxic substances is contributing to the country's growing burden of respiratory diseases.

According to recent statistics, COPD affects more than 16% of the population, while asthma prevalence ranges between 9% and 14%. Tuberculosis also remains highly prevalent.

Speaking while inaugurating the Lung Health Alliance at Fairway Hotel on July 24, 2026, the director general of health services, Dr Charles Olaro, said many patients first seek alternative treatment and only report to health facilities when the disease is already advanced.

"We need to expand early diagnosis, improve access to quality respiratory care, ensure the availability of essential medicines and diagnostic services, and strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to manage these conditions," Olaro said.

Prof. Bruce Kirenga, principal of the Makerere University College of Health Sciences, said the Makerere University Lung Institute is a highly specialised centre and is on course to become a super-specialised lung hospital and research centre.

The newly launched Alliance will unite patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society organisations and policymakers to advocate for stronger lung health services.

Experts said the Alliance will work with all stakeholders to ensure Ugandans receive quality lung health services that improve health outcomes.

Dr Charles Oyoo, the commissioner for non-communicable disease prevention and control at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the formation of the Alliance, saying it fills a long-standing gap in Uganda's response to respiratory diseases.

He noted that Uganda is experiencing a steady increase in non-communicable diseases, particularly chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD and post-TB lung disease.

"As government, we work best when we partner with other stakeholders. Having a Lung Health Alliance is a major milestone because it gives us a dedicated partner in preventing and controlling lung diseases," he said.

The executive director of the Uganda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, Christopher Kwizera, explained that the Lung Health Alliance is an alliance of patients and healthcare providers who come together to understand the problem, encourage patients to seek care and mobilise resources.