The government has expressed concern over the high number of patients’ with diabetes in Uganda.

The ministry of health has says many hospitals are reporting increased cases of diabetes in different parts of the country.

Dr. Richard Nduhura, Uganda's Minister of State for Health

The ministry’s program manager in charge of non-communicable diseases Dr. James Sekajugo says the cases of diabetes have increased by 5% over the last decade.

He says if the trend is not checked, they could be 10 times more over the next 10 years.

Dr. Sekajugo attributes the trend of increasing diabetes to the lack of physical exercise, bad eating habits, especially foods only rich in sugar, salt and fat.

He adds that people consuming alcohol and tobacco are also more prone to contracting diabetes than those who don’t

The disease has mainly been noted among the elderly above 50 years of age and the children.

The state health minister in charge of general duties Dr. Richard Nduhura says a sensitization campaign will kick off next week on how to prevent and control diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

The campaign which will be conducted at a cost of 1 million US dollars kicks of Monday next week as Uganda marks the World Day against diabetes.

By Olive Eyotaru