25% of Ugandans Hypertensive, Dr. Aceng Reveals

What the report says

At the close of a two-day Regional Health Assembly in Lira on Wednesday, September 9, Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero urged Uganda to put greater emphasis on disease prevention. Aceng, who also serves as Lira City Woman MP and is a former health minister, said the country’s growing population and rising demand for care are making it harder for government to provide enough medicines and health facilities.

According to the Dokolo Post report, Aceng warned that preventable and lifestyle-related illnesses could further strain the health system. She cited national figures indicating that about 25% of Ugandans are hypertensive, and said prevention would help reduce pressure on services and free up resources for conditions such as non-communicable diseases. She also encouraged community health extension workers to continue serving communities and called on citizens to support sanitation and hygiene efforts.

The assembly, organized by Lira Regional Referral Hospital with the Ministry of Health, also heard updates on hepatitis B prevention, emergency medical services, medicine ordering and blood donation. Officials from UNEPI, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, and the National Medical Stores raised concerns about newborn vaccination, ambulance readiness, timely medicine requests, and district supply processes.

The meeting in Lira brought together district leaders, health managers and development partners to review progress and challenges in the region’s health sector. The broader message, as reported by Dokolo Post, was that stronger prevention, better planning and improved local health systems are needed to keep pace with Uganda’s growing health needs.