Nutritionists and civil society organisations are calling on the government to urgently eliminate industrially produced trans fats from Uganda’s food supply, warning that their continued consumption is fueling a rise in heart disease and other non-communicable illnesses.
During a media engagement in Kampala, Joan Kembabazi, an advocacy officer with the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), stressed the need for stronger regulations and increased public awareness to protect citizens from harmful dietary fats.
She noted that industrial trans fats—commonly found in processed foods such as margarine, baked goods, fried items, and snacks—are a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. These fats are created through chemical processes that turn liquid oils into solid fats, extending shelf life but posing serious health risks.
Medical research shows that trans fats raise harmful cholesterol levels, clog arteries, and significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the World Health Organization, more than 278,000 deaths worldwide each year are linked to the consumption of industrial trans fats.
Health experts say Uganda is already experiencing the consequences. Non-communicable diseases account for about one-third of all deaths in the country, with cardiovascular conditions making up a significant portion. In 2019 alone, over 28,000 Ugandans reportedly died from heart-related illnesses.
At the Uganda Heart Institute, the growing burden is evident. Principal nutritionist Denis Musoga revealed that the facility receives approximately 150 patients daily, including around 30 children. Many of these cases, he explained, are linked to unhealthy diets high in trans fats, leading to elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and heart disease.
He also highlighted the financial strain of treatment, noting that managing cardiovascular diseases remains costly and often unaffordable for many Ugandans, with a single hospital visit costing around Shs 500,000 for tests alone.
Globally, efforts to eliminate trans fats have gained momentum. Under its REPLACE initiative, the World Health Organization has encouraged countries to phase out industrial trans fats, recommending strict limits or a complete ban on partially hydrogenated oils—the primary source of these harmful substances. Nearly 60 countries have already implemented such measures, though only a few African nations, including South Africa and Nigeria, have fully enforced them.
In Uganda, steps are underway to develop regulations in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. These efforts aim to combine limits on trans fats with a ban on harmful oils, recognizing access to safe food as a fundamental right.
Meanwhile, Bernard Bwambale of the consumer protection organisation CONSENT pointed out that healthier alternatives, such as sunflower and olive oil, are available but often remain out of reach for many due to high costs. He called for policies that not only restrict harmful products but also make safer options more affordable.
Experts believe that eliminating industrial trans fats could significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve overall quality of life. They are urging coordinated action from government, industry, media, and the public to tackle what they describe as a growing public health threat.
