Healthy Eating Becomes Unaffordable for Most Ugandans Amidst Rising Costs

Millions of Ugandans are finding it increasingly difficult to access nutritious food due to escalating costs, a critical issue as the nation faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart conditions.

A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank has highlighted this alarming trend. The data reveals that the price of the most affordable healthy diet in Uganda has surged by nearly 20% between 2017 and 2025.

In 2017, the least expensive healthy diet cost approximately Shs12,581 ($3.12) per person per day. By 2025, this figure had climbed to around Shs15,000 ($3.74) per person daily.

This substantial increase means that a staggering 73.6% of the Ugandan population can no longer afford a diet that meets essential nutritional requirements. This economic barrier to healthy eating is likely to worsen the health outcomes for many, potentially contributing to higher rates of diet-related illnesses.

The trend underscores a critical challenge for public health and economic policy in Uganda, where access to affordable, nutritious food is becoming a luxury rather than a basic necessity.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/the-price-of-eating-well-5628762