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Gulu city female vendors launch fitness initiative to tackle NCDs

29 September 2026, 2:35 pm

Female vendors at Cereleno market in Laroo Pece division at workout session at the market on 26 September 2026.

By Emmanuel Mwaka

Female vendors at Cereleno Market in Laroo Pece Division have taken a proactive stance against rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by establishing a community fitness group aimed at boosting physical health and overall well-being.

The initiative was launched in May 2026 after market leadership noticed a concerning pattern among traders seeking medical care.

Margret Okullu the chairperson of cereleno market and also the chairperson for the Group said she saw so many female vendors queuing to get treatment at a nearby clinic prompting her for the initiative. Okullu shared her personal health transformation, noting that prior to starting the regimen; she weighed over 83 kg and was unable to squat. Her weight has since dropped to 72 kg

Okullu Margret the market chairperson on the weight loss after exercises.
Magret Okullu the chairperson of Cereleno market and also the chairperson of the Fitness Club while speaking to our reporter on 26 September 2026.

Aber Doreen 57, Vice Chairperson Popularly known as Min Olana, Doreen reported a significant boost in stamina, noting she now feels strong and no longer suffers from easy fatigue.

Aber Doreen a 57-year-old mother on relief from fatiques.
Aber Doreen a 57-year-old mother speaking on how she feels physically fit at her age.

Margaret Lanyero Group Spokesperson of the group embraced the routine to manage chronic health conditions, reporting that both her blood pressure and diabetes levels have normalized.

Margret Lanyero on the normal pressure level.

Oyella Patricia Group Timekeeper of the group Shares that improved endurance such as running short distances without getting tired has restored her physical comfort, enabling her to sleep soundly on her mattress again.

Oyella Patricia on regaining back her fitness level.

 Adokorach Joyce a vendor at the market joined the program with high blood pressure and credits the regular physical activity with bringing her readings back to normal levels.

A group of market vendors from Cereleno market at the work out session.

NCDs account for nearly 35% to 40% of all hospital deaths in Uganda and approximately 33% of overall national mortality. Health authorities estimate that at least 70% of individuals living with an NCD in Uganda are unaware of their condition due to silent early-stage progression.