Uganda’s government has mandated all civil servants to allocate two hours per week for physical exercise, aiming to promote fitness and overall health among its workforce. The directive, conveyed in a letter from Lucy Nakyobe, the head of public service, emphasizes the importance of these sessions in enhancing staff well-being and reducing disease prevalence.
The initiative, highlighted by the Government of Uganda on social media, aims to combat the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases in the country.
This decision follows a national health survey revealing a notable rise in obesity rates, from 17% to 26% over 17 years.
This move builds on Uganda’s previous efforts to promote physical activity, including the establishment of a national day for physical activity in 2018, marked by various sports events nationwide.
Dr. Charles Oyoo Akiya, the commissioner for non-communicable diseases prevention, noted ongoing exercise programs within the health ministry and expressed a desire for their expansion across all government departments.
