Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, has spoken out to calm public concern over his health following the circulation of recent photographs in which he appeared noticeably slimmer during the ongoing retreat of NRM MPs and independents at the National Leadership Institute.
The images, taken from the Kyankwanzi-based facility—an ideological training center for the ruling National Resistance Movement—triggered speculation online, with some Ugandans sending messages wishing the minister a quick recovery.
In a comprehensive statement, Tumwebaze addressed the concerns by first framing his remarks as a broader appeal to health professionals, warning about misconceptions surrounding non-communicable diseases.
“To health educators & promoters, epidemiogists, nutritionists & all health professionals, I am really worried. And you too should be.
Why? The battle against non- Communicable diseases is far from being won.”
He then tackled what he described as a dangerous societal mindset that equates body size with health, arguing that being overweight should not be mistaken for wellbeing.
“The dominant but mistaken thinking that being heavy, overweight & obese= being healthy and on the other hand being slim & small-framed = being unhealthy is a serious cause for alarm. To the contrary, a lean body= a strong one 💪. Is this hard to understand?”
Clarifying the difference between unhealthy and intentional weight loss, the minister emphasized that losing weight should only be a concern when it is unexplained or linked to illness.
“Weight loss can only be worrying if it’s unintentional,unexplainable, and most times due to malnutrition or an involuntary matabolic syndrome associated with underlying chronic sickness.”
He went on to underscore that deliberate weight loss achieved through disciplined lifestyle choices should instead be celebrated.
“BUT if weight loss is intentional & achieved through measures such as dieting or slimming that involve reducing one’s total body mass through calorie reduction, increased physical activity, or lifestyle changes its nothing else BUT an act to celebrate. It is one of the best health targets/outcomes every rational & disciplined person should set and aim to achieve.”
Addressing reactions to his new appearance, Tumwebaze acknowledged that such changes can be surprising to some but reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
“Yes, looking lean or slim may worry some that may not be used with a person’s new looks, BUT it is all ok.”
He further made a strong statement against glorifying obesity.
“Obesity has never been a badge of honor!”
Directly responding to well-wishers who had expressed concern, the minister clarified that he is in good health and that his transformation is intentional.
“So dear friends sending me messages of “quick recovery”( and especially those of you doing so out of love, not mockery), please take heart , I am not sick. My new looks are intentional.”
He concluded his message on a personal and reflective note, expressing gratitude and extending greetings from the ongoing retreat.
“Its well with me & I thank God for all his blessings and mostly the gift of life!
Otherwise,Greetings from NALI, our Political MECCA!”
Tumwebaze’s remarks come amid growing conversations in Uganda about lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, with his statement doubling as both a personal clarification and a public health message.
Relatedly, another minister, and first lady Janet Museveni, was recently in the news over her health condition, with Museveni giving an update to his close associates on the first lady’s health, as reported Here.
