Childhood obesity, once seen as a problem in wealthier nations, is now emerging as a pressing public health concern in Uganda. With more children being classified as overweight or obese, experts warn of long-term health risks and mounting pressure on households and the national healthcare system.
According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, more than 5% of children under five years are overweight, up from less than 2% in the early 2000s. Among school-going children and adolescents, a joint study by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF revealed that nearly one in ten children between ages 6 and 18 is overweight or obese, particularly in the urban areas of Kampala, Wakiso, and Mbarara.
Nutritionists link this surge to shifting lifestyles and diets. Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats have become more common, while physical activity continues to decline.
“Urbanisation has created an environment where fast food is more accessible than traditional meals, while children spend more time on screens than outdoors,” Dr. Miriam Nakyewa, a paediatric nutrition specialist at Mulago Hospital said.
For parents, the realities are challenging. Many low-income families resort to affordable but unhealthy foods such as chapatti, while middle-class parents face children who prefer processed snacks and sugary drinks over traditional meals. The rapid expansion of fast-food chains like KFC and Pizza Hut has further fuelled the trend, especially among middle-income households.
The consequences are already visible. Studies indicate that obese children are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and face heightened risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Poor mental health and reduced academic performance are also associated with childhood obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) cautions that if unchecked, the condition could overwhelm Uganda’s healthcare system in the coming decades.
The financial strain is also significant. Families are increasingly forced to meet higher medical expenses for treating obesity-related conditions, adding to the burden on already stretched household incomes.
However, government efforts, though still in their infancy, are being made through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Sports. Initiatives such as school feeding guidelines and campaigns against excessive junk food are being pushed on a national level.
Health experts emphasize that parents and schools remain the first line of defence. They recommend practical steps such as encouraging active play, reducing screen time, and reviving traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and local staples.
“Parents need to get involved in their children’s health beyond normal illnesses. They need to give their children healthy foods which are readily available in Uganda. Fruits and vegetables can be found cheaply around the country,” Dr Nakyewa stated.
“Parents and schools need to also involve children in physical activities and exercises and limit screen time,” she continued.
For many parents, however, the challenge remains balancing convenience, affordability, and children’s food preferences against the urgent need for healthier lifestyles, an increasingly complex reality in modern Uganda.
