KAMPALA – Uganda’s Ministry of Health has encouraged the recruitment of physical fitness coaches in all educational institutions across the country in a move targeting to improve people’s medical conditions.
Health experts insist that non-communicable diseases account for 41 per cent of deaths in Uganda, with cardiovascular ailments – such as hypertension, heart complications as well as stroke taking 12 per cent of these fatalities.
Uganda has finalised arrangements to celebrate the 3rd edition of the National Day of Physical Education – come June 18 at Kololo Independence grounds- Kampala.
Margaret Muhanga – the State Minister for Primary Health Care noted that her office had directed that of Education and Sports to make it mandatory for academic institutions to have a physical fitness instructor on their staff.
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The initiative, according to Muhanga, is intended at improving the fitness of the younger generation – leading to the reduction of the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Muhanga also emphasised the importance of adopting and embracing a physically active lifestyle amongst Ugandans.
Moses Golola, a renowned fitness instructor decried the lack of qualified and skilled teachers who had handle students in physical fitness and exercise in schools.
Golola urged the Ministry of Health to ensure that learners in all schools have designated spaces for physical fitness exercises to keep them fit. He commended the ministry’s efforts in promoting physical fitness – a journey he claims to have embarked over a decade ago.
Charles Oyo, the Commissioner of Non-Communicable Diseases, advised Ugandans to undergo regular check-ups and engage in physical fitness activities to combat non-communicable diseases.
He revealed that 35 per cent of patients visiting outpatient departments in health centres across the country were victims of non-communicable diseases.
Uganda will – on June 18 celebrate the National Day of Physical Activities at Kololo Independence ground and the public has since been encouraged to turn up and seize the opportunity of screening for various diseases.
