Health 20 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nutritionists Advocate for Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks to Combat Obesity in Uganda
Ugandan nutritionists are urging the government to implement higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages to address the nation's escalating rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases, particularly among children. They argue that increased prices will discourage consumption and promote healthier choices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/higher-tax-on-sugary-drinks-needed-to-curb-obesity-nutritionists-5503108
Nutrition experts in Uganda are pushing for increased taxation on sugary drinks, citing the alarming rise in obesity and related non-communicable diseases. The proposed Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax aims to make products with high sugar content less affordable, thereby reducing consumption and safeguarding public health.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is a significant risk factor for a range of health issues, including excess weight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. Nutritionists believe that targeting these beverages is crucial, especially for protecting children, who are disproportionately affected.
Professor Charles Muyanja from Makerere University’s Department of Food Technology and Nutrition emphasized that such a tax would serve the public by making unhealthy options more expensive. “If you increase the tax on sugar and oil, you are doing a very good service to the consumers,” he stated, adding that it encourages informed choices and potentially benefits industries that meet WHO recommendations.
Beyond taxation, nutritionists like Martin Wambona of the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) are calling for stronger regulations. These include mandatory front-of-pack labeling and restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly those aimed at children. Wambona highlighted the concerning increase in overweight and obese children, which impacts their overall well-being and cognitive abilities.
The Ministry of Health, while acknowledging the health concerns, declined to comment specifically on the tax proposal, referring to it as a broader government policy matter. However, recent budget measures have already seen increased excise duties on products like cooking oil and sugar.
Globally, the strategy of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages has been adopted by numerous countries, with over 100 nations implementing such measures to combat diet-related health challenges. The Uganda Heart Institute reports that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in Uganda, underscoring the urgency of public health interventions.