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 says 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 warns 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 attributes the growing burden to unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, stress, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental factors and delayed health-seeking behaviour.
By URN
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