How lack of regulation on nutrition labels is fueling Uganda’s non-communicable disease crisis
WHO reports indicate that over 200 diseases are linked to the consumption of contaminated food.
Fort Portal: Uganda is facing a growing health crisis, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for 34% of deaths in the country.
While various factors contribute to this alarming trend, an often-overlooked culprit is the lack of effective regulation on nutrition labels on food products.
During a media webinar, Dr. Bernard Bwambale, a nutritionist from CONSCENT, highlighted that many food products available on Ugandan shelves contain dangerously high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats key contributors to heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
However, due to weak labeling regulations, consumers remain largely unaware of the nutritional content of the food they purchase.
“The current labeling regulations in Uganda are inadequate, with many food manufacturers failing to disclose the exact amount of salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats in their products. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices,” Dr. Bwambale explained.
He further emphasized that clear and accurate labeling is a critical tool in the fight against NCDs.
“By empowering consumers with transparent and accurate information, we can help them make healthier choices and reduce their risk of developing these devastating diseases,” he added.
Dr. Bwambale recommended that front-of-pack warning labels should be bold and easily visible, providing essential nutritional details to consumers at a glance.
Ibrahim Bossa, Head of Public and International Relations at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), noted that the media has immense power to shape public opinion and influence policy on nutrition labeling.
“The media must ensure transparency, disclose financial ties, and avoid biased reporting influenced by advertisers or corporations. Thorough fact-checking and accountability are key in this fight,” Bossa stated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that countries implement robust labeling regulations to help consumers make healthier dietary choices. However, Uganda’s current regulations remain insufficient in this regard.
WHO reports indicate that over 200 diseases are linked to the consumption of contaminated food, affecting 600 million people worldwide and causing 420,000 deaths annually.
In Uganda, aflatoxin-related illnesses alone are estimated to cost the government an additional US$910,000 annually in health services, due to increased demand for medical supplies and specialized expertise at government health facilities.
NCDs worsen poverty levels, placing heavy financial burdens on both families and the government.
For example, according to the Uganda Cancer Institute, a single cancer patient requires UGX 6 million for medication alone to complete the recommended six cycles of treatment.
Additionally, in 2012/13, the Uganda Heart Institute spent UGX 2.5 billion on open-heart surgery and cardiac catheterization yet this only covered 2% of the 12,184 heart patients enrolled at the institute.
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