Dr. Kabanda David, founder of the Center for Food and Nutrition Transparency (CEFROHT), has called for stronger food policies to help fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He says many food companies hide important information from consumers, making it hard for people to know what they are eating.
“Food companies sell us products with secret ingredients. If something is a trade secret, it should still be clearly written on the front of the package. Consumers have the right to know what is in their food,” says Dr. Kabanda .
He also points out that some food labels are too small or unclear, making them difficult to read. He warns that ultra-processed foods, which go through several stages of processing, contain harmful chemicals.
“These chemicals do not kill immediately, but they slowly damage health. We are not attacking companies, but we want to highlight the dangers of unhealthy food. That is why we are working with the media to create awareness and push for clear labeling on food products,” he explain.
Dr. Kabanda also emphasizes that while food policies are important, some powerful groups do not want these rules because they do not want to be regulated yet more People Getting Sick Due to Unhealthy Diets.
Bernard Bwambale, a nutritionist and head of programs at CEFROHT, says that more people in Uganda are suffering from cancer, obesity, and other diseases because of poor eating habits.
“People eat too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which increases the risk of diseases. Many people do not follow a balanced diet,” Bwambale said.
He adds that the media plays an important role in educating people about healthy eating.
“The media should talk about how to prevent these diseases. Good nutrition is not just about being physically healthy but also about mental well-being. If people eat better, they can live longer and healthier lives,” he says.
According to statistics, about 1.5 people die every day in Uganda due to non-communicable diseases. This shows the need for strong food policies and better awareness to protect people’s health.
