“Every Wednesday when we run our clinics, we diagnose between 10 to 15 new cases of diabetes,” he said. “These are big numbers that add to the already high volume of patients we are managing.”
One Nurse Handling 60 Patients: The Crisis Inside Butabika Hospital
The Executive Director of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Dr. Charles Kabugo, has raised concern over a steady rise in diabetes cases, warning that the disease is becoming increasingly common among Ugandans.
Speaking about trends observed at the hospital, Dr. Kabugo revealed that each week, new patients are being diagnosed in significant numbers, adding pressure to an already strained health system.
“Every Wednesday when we run our clinics, we diagnose between 10 to 15 new cases of diabetes,” he said. “These are big numbers that add to the already high volume of patients we are managing.”
The weekly clinic, led by Emmanuel Seremba, continues to register a steady influx of patients, highlighting what health experts describe as a growing public health concern.
Dr. Kabugo noted that the trend is not unique to Uganda, but reflects a broader global challenge. He pointed out that diabetes rates are rising rapidly worldwide, with the situation in Africa becoming particularly worrying.
“In Africa, it is like an epidemic,” he said.
He also referenced ongoing global efforts to find a cure, noting reports that India may be making progress. However, he emphasized that Uganda, like many countries, relies on guidance from the World Health Organization before adopting new treatments or declaring any breakthroughs.
“For us, we wait for one regulator, and that is WHO, to study and confirm such developments,” he explained, adding that an official cure would mark a historic milestone in global health.
Back at Kiruddu, however, the immediate reality remains unchanged. Clinics continue to fill up, doctors face growing caseloads, and new diagnoses are made week after week.
Health experts warn that without increased awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes, the number of diabetes patients could continue to rise—placing even greater strain on Uganda’s healthcare system.
