Non-communicable diseases increasingly dominate Uganda’s deaths, doctor warns

20 July 2026, 12:11 pm

By Emmanuel Mwaka

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become one of the leading causes of death in Uganda, according to Dr. Joseph Okello, a medical practitioner at the Way of Life Medical Centre.

Speaking to our reporter on Friday 17 July 2026, Dr. Okello described NCDs as chronic, non-infectious conditions that now represent one of the world’s most formidable public health challenges.

 He said the major NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, and mental health disorders and cardiovascular diseases, which affect the heart and blood vessels as the most common ones.

Globally, he said, about 20.6 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2024, with nearly 10 million deaths recorded. Lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, accounting for about 2.6 million cases, followed by breast cancer.

Uganda records approximately 30,000 new cancer cases every year, resulting in an estimated 18,000 deaths annually. Among women, cervical and breast cancers are the most prevalent, while prostate and esophageal cancers are the leading diagnoses among men.

Gulu District assistant Health Educator Mr. Patrick Kolong said the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases is largely linked to poor dietary habits. He noted that many people now rely heavily on processed foods purchased from shops instead of eating fresh, organic foods.

Gilbert a resident of pece in Gulu city also attributed the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases to the growing consumption of processed, non-organic foods. He said people today consume fewer natural foods than in the past, exposing them to more health risks.

Leah Nimungu of kabedopong observed that many families no longer encourage their children to eat traditional local foods, believing such foods are meant for the poor. He urged parents to promote the consumption of nutritious local foods, saying they are healthier than many processed alternatives.