The questions people ask us most about food labels and the campaign.
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Diet-related non-communicable diseases are becoming one of Uganda's fastest-growing public health challenges. As unhealthy diets become more common, they place increasing pressure on individuals, families and the health system.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are diseases that cannot be passed from one person to another. They are also known as chronic diseases because they develop gradually and often last for many years, requiring long-term prevention and management.
As unhealthy diets become more common, overweight, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are placing increasing pressure on individuals, families and the health system.
The most common NCDs in Uganda include:
33%
of all deaths in Uganda are caused by NCDs
Source: Uganda NCD risk-factor evidence (see Evidence & Resources)
22%
risk of premature death from an NCD among Ugandan adults
Source: Uganda NCD risk-factor evidence (see Evidence & Resources)
26%
of women in Uganda were overweight or obese in 2022, up from 17% in 2006
Source: Uganda NCD risk-factor evidence (see Evidence & Resources)
17% vs 8%
of urban men were overweight or obese in 2022, compared with rural men
Source: Uganda NCD risk-factor evidence (see Evidence & Resources)
Urban populations continue to face a higher burden of overweight and obesity, reflecting the growing influence of changing food environments and dietary patterns.
A Ministry of Health landscape analysis of Uganda's food environment (2025) found that processed and ultra-processed foods now dominate supermarket and grocery shelves, with many products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
72.1%
of prepackaged food products in supermarkets and grocery stores are ultra-processed foods and beverages
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
56%
of processed and ultra-processed prepackaged foods exceed recommended sodium thresholds
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
48%
of processed and ultra-processed prepackaged foods contain excessive free sugars
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
46%
of processed and ultra-processed prepackaged foods exceed saturated fat thresholds
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
38%
of processed and ultra-processed prepackaged foods are high in total fat
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
8%
of processed and ultra-processed prepackaged foods contain elevated levels of trans fat
Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda food environment landscape analysis, 2025
Nutrients of critical concern are ingredients in food that have been scientifically shown to increase the risk of NCDs when consumed in excess. They are commonly found in many processed and ultra-processed foods and beverages, where they are often added to enhance taste, texture, colour, aroma and shelf life.
Consuming too much processed or free sugar can contribute to overweight and obesity, Type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and an increased risk of heart disease. Reducing foods and drinks high in added sugars is an important step towards a healthier diet.
NCDs develop gradually and require long-term prevention. Because the food environment shapes what is available, affordable and visible, prevention is not only a matter of individual choice: the policies that govern labelling, marketing and public food procurement determine how easy it is to choose a healthier option.
That is why the coalition works to strengthen Uganda's legal and regulatory frameworks. That includes the Uganda Nutrient Profile Model, mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling, restrictions on marketing unhealthy food to children, and healthier public food procurement.
See how labelling, marketing restrictions and public procurement work together to improve Uganda's food environment.
Ugandans deserve clear, at-a-glance information about what is in their food. Add your voice to the campaign for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling.
It is a clear, visible marker on the front of a package that flags when a product is high in sugar, salt, saturated fat, or excess calories, so you can see the risk before you buy.
