Cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and depression are steadily increasing in Kamwenge District, with health workers blaming unhealthy lifestyles, poor diets and rising stress levels. Medical records from Rukunyu General Hospital show that the facility registered 3,259 NCD cases in 2023, 3,636 in 2024 and 3,704 in 2025, representing a 13.66 per cent increase over the three years.
According to the hospital’s Records Officer, Caleb Mugarurirwe, hypertension, diabetes, depression, asthma and other mental health conditions account for the majority of patients seeking treatment for non-communicable diseases. He said the increase is partly a result of improved screening and diagnosis, although incomplete patient records continue to affect efforts to accurately monitor disease trends.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Ivan Mujuni said the hospital regularly conducts community outreach programmes to screen residents for hypertension, diabetes, asthma and mental health conditions. He said people diagnosed with the conditions are enrolled into the hospital’s NCD clinic, where they receive treatment, counselling and follow-up care.
Dr. Mujuni warned that non-communicable diseases are no longer affecting only older people, noting that an increasing number of patients are below the age of 65. He attributed the growing burden to unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, stress, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental factors and delayed health-seeking behaviour.
According to Dr. Mujuni, many patients only seek medical care after developing serious complications, making treatment more difficult, more expensive and less effective. He urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles by eating balanced diets, engaging in regular physical exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing routine medical check-ups to enable early detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
