Health experts in the Kigezi Sub-region have raised concern over increasing alcohol consumption and malnutrition, warning that the two problems are contributing to a growing burden of disease in the region.
The concerns were raised on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the fourth Annual Kigezi Regional Health Sector Joint Performance Review Mission (JRM), an annual forum that brings together health stakeholders to assess healthcare service delivery in the region.
The briefing was held at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
Johnson Bitungwa, the principal clinician and head of the hospital’s mental health unit, said a significant proportion of patients admitted to the facility each year have conditions linked to alcohol and substance abuse.
He attributed the trend partly to the widespread production and sale of unregulated alcohol in the Kigezi Sub-region and called for tighter controls on the sector.
Mr Bitungwa also urged local authorities to introduce mandatory operating hours for bars to limit alcohol consumption.
CUE IN BITUNGWA… ON ALCOHOL… ENG//
Dr Anne Marion Namutebi, an executive consultant at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, described alcohol as a “common denominator” in many of the illnesses treated at the facility.
She said excessive alcohol consumption is associated with mental health disorders, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, malnutrition and injuries, among other conditions.
CUE IN DR NAMUTEBI… ON ALCOHOL… ENG//
Obed Mutatiina Kitabutuuka, the Rubanda District secretary for health and education, called on local governments to enact and enforce by-laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol.
He said stronger local regulations would help address alcohol abuse and its associated social and health consequences.
CUE IN KITABUTUKA… ON ALCOHOL… ENG//
Meanwhile, Dr David Mporampora, the Rubanda District health officer, said malnutrition is another growing health concern in the region.
Dr Mporampora attributed the problem partly to the failure by some households to make proper use of locally available food resources despite the region’s high agricultural production.
He urged communities to improve household nutrition by making better use of the food they produce.
CUE IN DR MPORAMPORA… ON MALNUTRITION… ENG//
Rubanda District will host the fourth Annual Kigezi Regional Health Sector Joint Performance Review Mission, which will run for three days from September 1, 2026.
The review is convened by Kabale Regional Referral Hospital on behalf of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with regional health departments and development partners.
The meeting is expected to assess healthcare service delivery, rank district performance and identify practical solutions to key health challenges affecting communities in the region.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi is expected to officially open the meeting, which will bring together health workers, political leaders, Ministry of Health officials, development partners, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
