Why hypertension, cancer and other non-communicable diseases continue to burden Kasese
The latest district health statistics for the last quarter of 2026 show that health facilities are managing thousands of patients living with chronic illnesses, placing increasing pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system.
The Kasese district health officer, Dr Amon Bwambale, attributed the growing challenge to unhealthy diets, including processed meats and charred foods. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)
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Health officials in Kasese district have raised concern over a steady rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), warning that hypertension, diabetes and cancer are becoming major public health challenges in both urban and rural communities.
The latest district health statistics for the last quarter of 2026 show that health facilities are managing thousands of patients living with chronic illnesses, placing increasing pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system.
According to the district data, St Paul Hospital recorded the highest number of active NCD patients at 1,487, followed by Rukoki General Hospital with 1,260. Rwesande Health Centre IV had 497 active patients; Muhokya Health Centre III registered 398; and Nyabirongo Health Centre IV managed 231 patients.
The figures were disclosed on August 1, 2026, by the Kasese district health officer, Dr Amon Bwambale, during a one-day health evaluation meeting held at Rwenzori International Hotel in the Central Division of Kasese Municipality.
He acknowledged that, for many years, people from Kasese and the wider Rwenzori region have made up the largest number of cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, describing this as a clear indication of the district's heavy disease burden.
Causes
"The high temperatures caused by some cooking methods used to prepare red meats produce heterocyclic amines, a component that largely results in cancer," Bwambale explained.
"Additionally, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption are also major contributors to the rising burden of NCDs," he added.
Preventive measures
The Kasese district health boss advised the public to limit red meat consumption to no more than three servings per week and to choose lean cuts prepared using gentler cooking methods such as steaming or poaching.
"Over the years, we have ventured into nutrition education on the radio and other social gatherings, but the compliance rate is still minimal," Bwambale explained.
"The other crucial thing is for our people to embrace early check-ups in various facilities in order to start early medication should they test positive for any disease," he added.
Recognising the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the Amazing Friends for Development Association (AFRIDA) has prioritised health promotion as one of its key areas of intervention.
AFRIDA is a network of career and business professionals operating in Kasese district that has remained committed to promoting social and economic transformation through practical community services.
According to the outgoing AFRIDA president, Joard Ndungu Mubatsi, the association has over the years organised free medical camps in several parts of the district, the latest being at Kithoma Market in Buhuhira subcounty, Busongora North county, where hundreds of community members accessed health screening, medical consultations, health education and referrals.
"We attended to over 600 people, and those whose results came out positive, we advised them to start early treatment," Mubatsi said.
He added that, beyond medical outreaches, AFRIDA has continuously invested in community health education by leveraging the expertise of its members working in the medical profession.
"We have also complemented preventive interventions by strengthening healthcare facilities that serve our communities. In 2024, the association donated mattresses to Bwera Hospital to improve the comfort and dignity of hospitalised patients," Mubatsi revealed.
"In April 2026, AFRIDA mobilised resources to donate mattresses, theatre equipment and oxygen cylinder regulators to Nyamirami Health Centre IV," he added.