Only 12.2% of Ugandans consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, according to a new survey by the Makerere University School of Public Health.
The study, which examined the prevalence of risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Ugandans, found that 87.8% of the population falls short of the recommended intake.
This marks a slight increase from 86.4% in 2014 when a similar study was conducted. Prof. David Yawe Guwatudde, an epidemiologist and lead researcher, noted that despite increased awareness and fruit availability—even in urban areas like Kampala—there has been little improvement in consumption patterns over the last decade.
The study highlights a growing concern as NCDs become more prevalent in Uganda. Currently, one in four Ugandans is estimated to have hypertension, while two in ten live with diabetes, some unknowingly.
Researchers examined eight common NCD risk factors, including inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol use, tobacco use, physical inactivity, sedentariness, high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and obesity.
The study involved 4,340 participants aged 18 to 69, all of whom had resided in their respective households for at least six months prior to the survey. Participants were asked whether they had consumed an average of five servings of fruit per day over the past week.
According to Mary Mbuliro, a Research Associate at Makerere University School of Public Health, regional analysis revealed a decline in fruit intake in the central region.
Among the eight risk factors studied, tobacco use was the only one that showed a decline over the past decade. In contrast, alcohol consumption has risen, with one in three Ugandans currently drinking alcohol.
Dr. Oyoo Charles Akiya, Commissioner of Health Services for NCDs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for greater public awareness, stating that combating NCDs requires individual action and lifestyle changes. However, he acknowledged that government funding for NCD prevention remains limited.
Prof. Guwatudde stressed that, in the absence of substantial funding, small lifestyle adjustments can have a significant impact. For instance, individuals struggling with alcohol consumption can start by reducing intake and seeking support if they face addiction.