Fat killing Ugandans - doctors warn

By Agnes Nantambi & John Agaba

Experts have warned that Ugandans especially in urban centres risk ending their lives prematurely if they do not reduce on the amount of fatty foods consumed.

Prof. James Tumwine from Makerere University School of Medicine said Wednesday that the number of Ugandans consuming foods rich in cholesterol was high.

"As a result, we are registering an increase in the number of health complications in the country. Complications like stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and the like," Tumwine said.

According to reports from the cancer institute, over 29,380 cancer cases were registered in Uganda last year, with cervix and prostate cancers being the commonest among women and men respectively.

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Doctor William Bazeyo (left) interacts with Prof. Garimol Orach (right) as Prof. Nelson Sewankambo looks on during the joint annual scientific conference at Imperial Royale hotel on September 24, 2014. PHOTO/JULIET KASIRYE

And, according to the World Health Organisation, heart disease is also on the increase in Uganda, with over 10,000 cases diagnosed every year.

"These complications impact on our health care budget. They are expensive to treat. And it is not a guarantee that you are going to get cured," Dr. Sarah Nahalamba from the National Planning Authority, said.

"We need you to be mindful of whatever substance you take. Someone wakes up in the morning; the first thing they eat is bread with margarine and milk. They are driven to work. Here they take eggs, chapattis and sodas and sausages. In the evening, they take pork and beer. What do you expect?" Tumwine said.

"If you are a man and are permanently pregnant (with a pot belly), a woman and your arms are bigger than your thighs, you are living a dangerous lifestyle," Tumwine warned.

This was during the annual scientific health conference at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala organized by WHO and the Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health.