Alarming Rise in Diet-Related Diseases Sparks Calls for Food Labeling Regulations in Uganda

KAMPALA — Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 33% of all deaths in Uganda, with a 22% probability of premature mortality among citizens, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2016, NCDs claimed 97,600 lives—49,700 males and 47,800 females—with men facing a 24% risk of early death between ages 30 and 70, compared to 20% for women.

Despite the growing crisis, Uganda’s food and beverage industry operates without restrictions, aggressively marketing products high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats—key contributors to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Shockingly, 90% of Ugandan children regularly consume such foods, yet the country lacks policies mandating warning labels or regulating harmful marketing tactics.

Unchecked Food Industry Fuels Public Health Crisis

Uganda remains a hub for ultra-processed foods, with no taxes or advertising bans to discourage unhealthy consumption. The 2023 National NCD Steps Survey revealed 88.9% of Ugandans consume poor diets, while obesity rates surged from 4.5% to 9.3% in a decade. Hypertension now affects 23.5% of the population, and diabetes cases have more than doubled since 2016.

Health experts warn that without intervention, NCDs—already responsible for 35% of reported deaths—will escalate further. “Our food environments promote cheap, unhealthy options,” said a nutrition official, urging stricter regulations.

WHO-Backed Labeling System Proposed as Solution

The WHO recommends Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) to help consumers identify harmful products. Nutrient Profile Models (NPMs) would classify foods based on sugar, salt, and fat content, while clear warnings would deter excessive consumption.

During a recent Parliamentary Nutrition Week, a Ministry of Health official stressed the urgency: “Processors must label products honestly. If a food item is high in salt, consumers deserve to know it’s unsafe.”

Activists Demand Immediate Government Action

Public health advocates are petitioning the Ministry of Health to adopt mandatory FOPWL, arguing that misleading marketing endangers lives. “Without warning labels, Ugandans remain at high risk of preventable deaths,” said a policy expert.

Sources: WHO NCD Uganda Country Profile (2019), Uganda NCD Risk Factor Survey (2023), Ministry of Health reports.