Nutritionists push for ban on industrial trans fats as heart disease cases soar

2026-03-25 - 12:54

Nutritionists and civil society organisations are urging government to take urgent action to eliminate industrially produced trans fats (ITFAs) from Uganda’s food supply, warning that their continued consumption is driving a rise in heart disease and other non-communicable diseases. Speaking during a media engagement in Kampala, Joan Kembabazi, advocacy officer for the ITFA Project at the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), said stronger regulation and public awareness are needed to protect Ugandans from harmful fats. “Industrially produced trans fats are contributing significantly to cardiovascular diseases in Uganda,” Kembabazi said. “We need firm policies and increased awareness to reduce their consumption.” Trans fats are commonly found in processed foods such as margarine, baked goods, fried foods and snacks. They are created when liquid oils are chemically altered into solid fats to extend shelf life and improve texture. Medical evidence shows that trans fats increase harmful cholesterol, clog arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) attributes more than 278,000 deaths each year to the intake of industrial trans fats. Health experts warn that Uganda is already experiencing the impact. Non-communicable diseases account for about 33 per cent of all deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases contributing a significant share. In 2019 alone, more than 28,000 Ugandans reportedly died from heart-related conditions. At the Uganda Heart Institute, the burden is increasingly evident. Denis Musoga, a principal nutritionist, said the facility receives about 150 patients daily, including around 30 children. “Many of these cases are linked to poor feeding habits, including high consumption of trans fats,” Musoga said. “These diets lead to high cholesterol, which results in hypertension and heart disease.” He added that treatment remains expensive and out of reach for many Ugandans. “Managing cardiovascular diseases is costly. A single visit can cost about Shs 500,000 just for tests, which is unaffordable for the average Ugandan,” he said. Globally, efforts to eliminate trans fats have gained momentum. Under its REPLACE action plan, the World Health Organization set a target for countries to phase out industrial trans fats by 2023, recommending strict limits or a complete ban on partially hydrogenated oils — the main source of these fats. Nearly 60 countries have already implemented such measures, covering almost half of the world’s population. In Africa, only South Africa and Nigeria have fully adopted the regulations. Kembabazi said Uganda is in the process of developing regulations in collaboration with the ministry of Health, combining limits on trans fats with a ban on harmful oils. She added that access to safe food is a constitutional right, placing responsibility on government to protect public health. Bernard Bwambale, head of programmes at CONSENT, a consumer protection organisation, said safer alternatives already exist but remain unaffordable for many consumers. “There are healthier oils like sunflower and olive oil on the market,” Bwambale said. “The challenge is affordability, which pushes many consumers toward cheaper, unhealthy options.” He called for policies that not only restrict harmful fats but also make healthier alternatives more accessible. Experts say eliminating industrial trans fats could significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life, and are urging coordinated action from government, industry, media and the public to curb the growing burden of heart disease in Uganda.