UPHIA: 15.5% of Ugandans Aged 15 and Above Have Elevated Blood Pressure

What the report says

New findings from Uganda’s 2024–2025 Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) indicate that 15.5% of Ugandans aged 15 and above had elevated blood pressure, according to Nile Post. The same assessment found that 24.8% of participants in that age group were overweight or obese, and 0.9% had elevated blood glucose. The results add to concern about the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi presented the findings and urged people not to wait for symptoms or a serious health event before checking their blood pressure. He said routine screening is important because elevated blood pressure can go unnoticed for long periods. The report says the ministry wants Ugandans to know their health status earlier, including blood pressure, blood sugar and weight, as part of broader prevention and control efforts.

According to the article, the UPHIA survey is primarily designed to track HIV prevalence, incidence and viral suppression, but the latest round also included screening for selected NCD indicators. That expansion gives health authorities additional national data to guide prevention, early detection and treatment strategies. The findings are especially relevant as Uganda continues to address lifestyle-related health risks that can increase long-term strain on families and the health system.