By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—-
Health professionals in the Kigezi Sub-Region have raised concerns over increasing levels of alcohol consumption and malnutrition among community members.
The concerns were raised during a press briefing ahead of the 4th Annual Kigezi Regional Health Sector Joint Performance Review Mission (JRM), an annual forum that brings together stakeholders from across the region to assess healthcare service delivery.
During the press conference held on Monday, August 31, at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Mr. Johnson Bitungwa, Principal Clinician and Head of the Mental Health Unit at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, said a significant number of cases admitted annually at the hospital are linked to alcohol and substance abuse.
Mr. Bitungwa attributed the increase to the unregulated production and sale of alcohol in the Kigezi Sub-Region. He called for stricter regulation of alcohol sales, including the introduction and enforcement of mandatory opening hours for bars.
He explained that health workers in the community are witnessing the production of illicit alcohol, with producers mixing different ingredients, some of which may have harmful effects on consumers. He said excessive consumption can leave people disoriented and unable to account for their movements.
Kabale Regional Referral Hospital’s Executive Consultant, Dr. Anne Marion Namutebi, described alcohol as a “common denominator” in many of the illnesses treated at the facility.
She cited mental health disorders, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, malnutrition and injuries, among other conditions, as illnesses associated with alcohol abuse.
Rubanda District Secretary for Health and Education, Mr. Obed Mutatiina Kitabutuuka, emphasized the need for local governments to enact by-laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol in order to curb the problem.
Meanwhile, Rubanda District Health Officer, Dr. David Mporampora, highlighted malnutrition as another growing health concern in the region.
Dr. Mporampora attributed the problem partly to the community’s failure to adequately utilize the region’s abundant food resources, despite extensive agricultural production.
He said the Bakiga produce large quantities of food but sell almost everything, leaving little for household consumption.
He said the district plans to embark on mass sensitization campaigns to encourage households to retain and consume more of the food they produce.
Rubanda District will host the 4th Annual Kigezi Regional Health Sector Joint Performance Review Mission (JRM), scheduled to take place over two days, from September 1 to 2, 2026.
The JRM 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 intended to assess healthcare service delivery, rank district performance, and identify solutions to key health challenges affecting communities across the Kigezi Sub-Region.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomusubi is expected to formally open the event. The meeting will bring together medical officials, political leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Health, media personnel and other stakeholders.