The Government of Uganda has renewed its fight against heart disease with a strong message of hope, awareness, and action. This came as the country joined the rest of the world to mark World Heart Day 2025 under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat.”
The national event, held in Entebbe, was organized by the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI). It brought together hundreds of Ugandans, from doctors and patients to students and families, all united by one message: every heartbeat counts.
The day started with a Heart Awareness Walk through the streets of Entebbe, followed by a tree-planting ceremony to symbolize the importance of nurturing and protecting one’s heart just like a growing tree. The Uganda Heart Institute also offered free heart screenings, allowing residents to know their blood pressure and heart condition, a small step that could make a big difference in saving lives.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, said the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat” reminds everyone , governments, institutions, and individuals that heart health is a shared responsibility.
She said heart disease has become a serious threat to Uganda’s population, especially among young and productive citizens. “Today, one in every four Ugandan adults lives with high blood pressure,” Dr. Aceng revealed. “Every year, out of 1.6 million babies born, about 16,000 suffer from congenital heart disease, and half of them urgently need surgery.”
Behind those numbers are real people , families struggling to afford surgery, children missing school, and breadwinners whose lives are suddenly changed by heart complications.
Dr. Aceng praised the Uganda Heart Institute for extending heart care services beyond Kampala. Through surgical camps in Mbarara, Jinja, and Lira, and monthly heart clinic in all 16 Regional Referral Hospitals, more Ugandans can now access specialized care without travelling long distances.
“These services are saving lives and reducing the burden on families,” the Minister said. “We want every Ugandan, whether in Gulu or Kabale, to have the same opportunity to receive treatment.”
At these camps, doctors not only perform surgeries but also train regional health teams to handle heart-related emergencies, a move the Minister said is building a stronger and more resilient health system.
In a major announcement, Dr. Aceng confirmed that the construction of the new Uganda Heart Institute Hospital in Naguru is on track. The 250-bed facility, expected to be completed by 2027, will be the first of its kind in the region, a one-stop centre for heart treatment, training, and research.
“This new hospital will change the face of cardiac care in Uganda,” she said. “It will reduce the need for expensive referrals abroad and make Uganda a regional leader in heart science and innovation.”
While government and institutions play their part, Dr. Aceng urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their heart health. She advised Ugandans to know their numbers check blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol regularly and to live healthy lifestyles by avoiding tobacco, eating nutritious foods, and staying physically active.
“Prevention is always better than cure,” she stressed, reminding the crowd that simple habits like walking, drinking enough water, and managing stress can save lives.
The Minister thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Government of Uganda for their continued investment in the health sector. She also appreciated the development partners, local leaders of Entebbe Municipality, the Uganda Heart Institute team, and health workers across the country for their dedication.
Dr. Aceng also recognised the media’s role in spreading life-saving information. “Your stories shape people’s attitudes. When you tell the story of a survivor or highlight a preventable death, you are helping to save a life,” she said.
As the celebrations ended, many participants pledged to take better care of their hearts. Among them was Josephine Nakato, a 42-year-old mother of three, who learned she had high blood pressure during the free screening. “I had no idea,” she said. “I’m going to start checking my health regularly. This walk may have saved my life.”
The day closed with a message that resonated deeply:
“Let us care for our hearts , because in every beat lies the rhythm of life, family, and nation.”
By Akena Martin
