The Katikkiro launching a new department at Mengo Hospital.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has warned people against self-medicating based on information from social media, saying such platforms cannot accurately diagnose the state of one’s body or explain how a person feels. He noted that online remedies often provide random or misleading types of medicine, which can even endanger lives if they do not match the patient’s actual condition.
The Katikkiro made the remarks while commissioning a new specialized department at Mengo Hospital, dedicated to the treatment of non-communicable diseases. He cautioned the public to stop relying on online sources for medical advice.
In the same event, Katikkiro urged government to take firm action against people who impersonate medical professionals without proper qualifications.
He said that in China, the law strictly punishes those who falsely present themselves as doctors because they put people’s lives at risk. He called on Uganda’s government to adopt a similar approach so that those pretending to be doctors are arrested and prosecuted.
The Katikkiro commended Mengo Hospital for establishing the new unit, which will help screen and raise awareness about non-communicable diseases so that patients can receive proper treatment.
He mentioned several such diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and ulcers.
The Katikkiro in a group photograph with the hospital leadership at Mengo.
Hon. Mayiga further warned that most of these illnesses are caused by poor lifestyle choices — overeating, consuming too many sugary or processed foods, and lack of exercise. He urged people to set aside time to regularly visit qualified doctors for medical checkups. He also encouraged workplaces to introduce wellness programs to help employees stay active and healthy.
Dr. William Lumu, a specialist in non-communicable diseases at Mengo Hospital, said that many Ugandans suffer from such conditions, which have become a major health threat. He also appealed to the public to visit professional medical facilities for accurate diagnosis and treatment. According to global experts, about 44 million people worldwide die every year from non-communicable diseases — a figure he said is deeply worrying.
The Medical Director of Mengo Hospital, Dr. Simon Peter Nsingo, advised the public to watch what they eat, as diet plays a key role in the development of these illnesses. He revealed that in Mengo Hospital’s 128 years of service, they have found an increasing number of patients suffering from these diseases, which prompted them to establish this new department for prevention and treatment.
When officially opening the facility, Katikkiro Mayiga toured the various sections and was briefed on the services to be offered. He later interacted with some of Mengo Hospital’s international partners who are working together in the fight against non-communicable diseases.