Uganda launches guidelines on diabetes management

KAMPALA - Uganda has unveiled the National Diabetes Management Guidelines in a significant stride towards strengthening the country’s response to the disease.

The launch by Uganda Diabetes Association (UDA), which took place at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday, July 4, attracted a wide array of stakeholders, including diabetes specialists, general health practitioners, policy makers, and people living with diabetes.

This major development coincided with the 30th Annual Scientific Conference of the UDA, held under the timely theme: “Locally Adapted Clinical Guidelines as a Guide to Optimal Diabetes Care.”

The new guidelines were developed by a team of Ugandan health professionals with expertise in diabetes care, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health's Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention and Control.

These are intended to provide practical, evidence-based, and locally adapted recommendations to support healthcare workers at all levels of the health system.

Dr Davis Kibirige, the Chairman Uganda Diabetes Association Scientific Committee and the lead on the committee that drafted the guidelines. (All Photos by John Musenze)

Dr William Lumu, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, who is also the UDA president, noted that this is the first solution to managing diabetes.

“Uganda is currently faced with suboptimal care of diabetes and its complications,” he said.

“Much as the causes are numerous, one notable problem has been the lack of comprehensive, locally tailored decision aids for our health workers. With these new guidelines, we hope to change that,” he added.

Dr Lumu highlighted the importance of the document in supporting frontline health workers.

“There is a need for local guidance on how to manage this condition right from lower-level health facilities to national referral hospitals. These conversations are timely, as we now have increasing treatment options within our setting,” he added.

Dr Charles Akiya, the commissioner NCDs at the Ministry of Health.

The committee chairman, Dr Davis Kibirige, a Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, described the launch as “a momentous occasion” and a culmination of years of dedication.

He explained that the guidelines were developed through rigorous processes, including national consultation, a thorough literature review, and adaptation of global best practices to Uganda’s realities.

“We engaged several healthcare practitioners across various specialities, and importantly, individuals living with diabetes, to ensure the recommendations are both clinically sound and practically implementable,” he added.

As chief guest,  Dr Charles Oyoo Akiya, Commissioner for Health Services in charge of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, lauded the UDA for its persistent advocacy and leadership in diabetes care.

“This theme of locally adapted clinical guidelines resonates deeply with our national need for context-specific solutions,” said Dr Akiya.

He urged all healthcare professionals to embrace the new guidelines and continually update their practice based on the latest scientific evidence.

“We must emphasise prevention and early detection,” he said. “I implore stakeholders to implement strategies that prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and to identify those at risk early enough.”

Dr Siliver Bahendeka (C), the grandfather of diabetes care in Uganda during the conference.

Dr Akiya also called for greater integration of patient-centred care in daily clinical routines.

“Tailor management plans to individual needs and unique circumstances. Advocate for policies that support access to care, education, psychosocial support, and self-management resources.”

The launch of these national guidelines marks a new chapter for Uganda in its fight against the diabetes epidemic.

For health professionals, the guidelines promise more clarity and consistency in clinical decisions. For patients, they offer renewed hope for better care, reduced complications, and improved quality of life.

Currently, Uganda has over one million children below the age of 18 years and 3% of the adult population with diabetes, according to a survey done last year by UDA.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose.