Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy) – Mengo Hospital
Source: https://mengohospital.org/katikkiro-warns-ugandans-against-self-medication-through-social-media-copy
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy) – Mengo Hospital
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Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy)
Date
February 1, 2026
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has cautioned Ugandans against the growing habit of using social media platforms as sources of medical advice, warning that such practices put lives at serious risk.
Speaking at Mengo Hospital during the official opening of a new ward for patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Mayiga expressed concern over the increasing number of people relying on unverified medical information circulating online, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
“Many of the people sharing medical advice on social media are not qualified health professionals. They spread misinformation that can endanger lives,” Mayiga said.
“I urge Ugandans to always seek treatment from qualified medical practitioners instead of self-medicating based on what they see online.”
He noted that the spread of false medical information on social media has led to dangerous self-medication habits, especially among people living with chronic illnesses.
The Katikkiro emphasized that health should never be taken lightly and called on the public to prioritize regular medical checkups and consultations with trained professionals.
While inaugurating the Non-Communicable Diseases Centre at Mengo Hospital, Mayiga also urged Ugandans to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
“Non-communicable diseases are largely preventable if we take better care of ourselves,” he said. “We must be deliberate about our eating habits, exercise regularly, and avoid lifestyle choices that expose us to unnecessary health risks.”
He further appealed to business owners and employers across the country to promote routine health checkups at workplaces as a way of encouraging early detection and prevention of chronic illnesses.
Speaking at the same event, Dr William Lumu, the lead medical specialist at Mengo Hospital, explained that non-communicable diseases are among the leading causes of death in Uganda, mainly because many patients seek medical help too late.
“Diseases like diabetes and hypertension often develop silently and show no clear symptoms in their early stages,” Dr Lumu said.
“By the time most people come to the hospital, their organs — such as the heart, kidneys, or eyes — are already severely affected.”
He revealed that over one million Ugandans are currently living with diabetes, a figure that continues to rise due to poor diet, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Dr Lumu also emphasized the importance of community awareness, saying early detection and consistent medical supervision can save countless lives.
The launch of the new NCD ward at Mengo Hospital is expected to strengthen specialized care for patients battling chronic illnesses and to promote public education about prevention and management of lifestyle diseases.
The Katikkiro concluded by calling on Ugandans to take responsibility for their health and avoid the temptation of unverified online remedies.
“Health is wealth,” he said. “Let us trust medical experts, not social media influencers, with our lives.”
Other News
A Paediatrician’s Perspective on Childhood Cancer.
Mengo Hospital Boss Decries Barriers Hindering Nurses’ Career Growth
Many Ugandans Living with Undiagnosed Hypertensive Heart Disease – Doctor Warns
Mengo Hospital Eye Complex Launch
Muteesa II Health Centre IV in Ssingo Receives Modern Eye Screening Machine
Specialist Schedule
DAYS
SPECIALITY
SPECIALIST
TIME
MONDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Nakireka Susan
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Eleku Simon
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kaddu Denis
9:30AM - 2:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mwanje Bright
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Luweesi Henry
12:00PM - 4:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Okello Emmanuel
8:00AM - 4:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 5:00PM
PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Nshemerirwe Sylvia
12:00PM - 3:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Medeyi Vincent
3:30PM - 5:00PM
PEAD SURGEON
Dr. Sewanyana Yasin
2:00PM - 5:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Namugga Barbra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
TUESDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Kaddu Denis
9:30AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Nakireka Susan
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kabugo Deus
9:00AM - 4:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Dr. Mwanje Bright
11:00AM - 2:00PM
Dr. Tumusiime Gerald
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Linda Katushabe
9:00AM - 1:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
9:00AM - 4:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Medeyi Vincent
10:00AM - 3:00PM
ENT
Dr. Bugembe Abubaker
3:00PM - 5:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Nabatte Violette
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Nabbale Florence
4:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Lumu William
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mulepo Phillip
11: 00AM - 2:00PM
DERMATOLOGIST
Dr. Nsubuga Peter
2:00PM - 5:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
PEAD CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. Rebecca Khainza
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Nabatte Violette
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Nabbale Florence
4:00PM - 8:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mutambo Samuel
9:00AM - 2:00PM
THURSDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Lumu William
11:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Ssekitoleko Badru
3:00PM - 5:00PM
CARDIO- THORACIC SURGEON
Dr. Magala John Paul
3:00PM - 4:00PM
NEPHROLOGIST
Dr. Kiggundu
11:00AM - 5:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Dr. Luweesi Henry
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Dr. Tumusiime Gerald
9:00AM - 1:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Nshemerirwe Sylvia
2:00PM - 5:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
9:00AM - 4:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Namugga Barbra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. Aliku Twalib
2:00PM -4:00PM
FRIDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Eleku Simon
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Nnunda Ezra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kabugo Deus
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
SURGEON
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Ssekitoleko Badru
3:00PM - 5:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Okello Emmanuel
8:00AM - 3:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Rhoda Mayega
9:00AM - 5:00PM
SATURDAY
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mutambo Samuel
11:00AM - 4:00PM
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Nnunda Ezra
10:00AM - 3:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
10:00AM - 2:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
10:00AM - 3:00PM
DERMATOLOGIST
Dr. Nsubuga Peter
10:00PM - 3:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Obiga Doomwin
9:00AM - 4:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Rhoda Mayega
9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy)
Delivering outstanding patient care could not happen without the passion, commitment, and determination of the team of Our Health care professionals. So, to recognise and celebrate our staff, we run annual award schemes basing on Mengo Hospital’s core values that are Christ Centred, Excellence, Professionalism, Caring, Innovation, Integrity, Accountability and Safety Consciousness. These make a real difference to our Clients.
The employee recognition programme celebrates the very best achievements and successes of our staff. We also give Long Service Awards to people who achieve the fantastic milestone of 25 or 40-years of dedicated service.
Mengo Hospital Online
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Hello
👋, welcome to
Mengo Hospital
How can we help you?
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Skip to main content
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News
Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy)
Date
February 1, 2026
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has cautioned Ugandans against the growing habit of using social media platforms as sources of medical advice, warning that such practices put lives at serious risk.
Speaking at Mengo Hospital during the official opening of a new ward for patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Mayiga expressed concern over the increasing number of people relying on unverified medical information circulating online, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
“Many of the people sharing medical advice on social media are not qualified health professionals. They spread misinformation that can endanger lives,” Mayiga said.
“I urge Ugandans to always seek treatment from qualified medical practitioners instead of self-medicating based on what they see online.”
He noted that the spread of false medical information on social media has led to dangerous self-medication habits, especially among people living with chronic illnesses.
The Katikkiro emphasized that health should never be taken lightly and called on the public to prioritize regular medical checkups and consultations with trained professionals.
While inaugurating the Non-Communicable Diseases Centre at Mengo Hospital, Mayiga also urged Ugandans to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
“Non-communicable diseases are largely preventable if we take better care of ourselves,” he said. “We must be deliberate about our eating habits, exercise regularly, and avoid lifestyle choices that expose us to unnecessary health risks.”
He further appealed to business owners and employers across the country to promote routine health checkups at workplaces as a way of encouraging early detection and prevention of chronic illnesses.
Speaking at the same event, Dr William Lumu, the lead medical specialist at Mengo Hospital, explained that non-communicable diseases are among the leading causes of death in Uganda, mainly because many patients seek medical help too late.
“Diseases like diabetes and hypertension often develop silently and show no clear symptoms in their early stages,” Dr Lumu said.
“By the time most people come to the hospital, their organs — such as the heart, kidneys, or eyes — are already severely affected.”
He revealed that over one million Ugandans are currently living with diabetes, a figure that continues to rise due to poor diet, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Dr Lumu also emphasized the importance of community awareness, saying early detection and consistent medical supervision can save countless lives.
The launch of the new NCD ward at Mengo Hospital is expected to strengthen specialized care for patients battling chronic illnesses and to promote public education about prevention and management of lifestyle diseases.
The Katikkiro concluded by calling on Ugandans to take responsibility for their health and avoid the temptation of unverified online remedies.
“Health is wealth,” he said. “Let us trust medical experts, not social media influencers, with our lives.”
Other News
A Paediatrician’s Perspective on Childhood Cancer.
Mengo Hospital Boss Decries Barriers Hindering Nurses’ Career Growth
Many Ugandans Living with Undiagnosed Hypertensive Heart Disease – Doctor Warns
Mengo Hospital Eye Complex Launch
Muteesa II Health Centre IV in Ssingo Receives Modern Eye Screening Machine
Specialist Schedule
DAYS
SPECIALITY
SPECIALIST
TIME
MONDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Nakireka Susan
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Eleku Simon
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kaddu Denis
9:30AM - 2:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mwanje Bright
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Luweesi Henry
12:00PM - 4:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Okello Emmanuel
8:00AM - 4:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 5:00PM
PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Nshemerirwe Sylvia
12:00PM - 3:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Medeyi Vincent
3:30PM - 5:00PM
PEAD SURGEON
Dr. Sewanyana Yasin
2:00PM - 5:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Namugga Barbra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
TUESDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Kaddu Denis
9:30AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Nakireka Susan
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kabugo Deus
9:00AM - 4:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Dr. Mwanje Bright
11:00AM - 2:00PM
Dr. Tumusiime Gerald
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Linda Katushabe
9:00AM - 1:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
9:00AM - 4:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Medeyi Vincent
10:00AM - 3:00PM
ENT
Dr. Bugembe Abubaker
3:00PM - 5:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Nabatte Violette
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Nabbale Florence
4:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Lumu William
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mulepo Phillip
11: 00AM - 2:00PM
DERMATOLOGIST
Dr. Nsubuga Peter
2:00PM - 5:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
PEAD CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. Rebecca Khainza
2:00PM - 5:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEAD
Dr. Nabatte Violette
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Dr. Nabbale Florence
4:00PM - 8:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mutambo Samuel
9:00AM - 2:00PM
THURSDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Lumu William
11:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Ssekitoleko Badru
3:00PM - 5:00PM
CARDIO- THORACIC SURGEON
Dr. Magala John Paul
3:00PM - 4:00PM
NEPHROLOGIST
Dr. Kiggundu
11:00AM - 5:00PM
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Dr. Luweesi Henry
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Dr. Tumusiime Gerald
9:00AM - 1:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Nshemerirwe Sylvia
2:00PM - 5:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
9:00AM - 4:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Namugga Barbra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
CARDIOLOGIST
Dr. Aliku Twalib
2:00PM -4:00PM
FRIDAY
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Eleku Simon
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Dr. Nnunda Ezra
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Kabugo Deus
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Muyanja David
11:00AM - 4:00PM
SURGEON
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
UROLOGIST
Dr. Ssekitoleko Badru
3:00PM - 5:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Okello Emmanuel
8:00AM - 3:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
2:00PM - 4:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Nanjura Lydia
10:00AM - 2:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Rhoda Mayega
9:00AM - 5:00PM
SATURDAY
SURGEONS
Dr. Sebuliba Thomas
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Dr. Mutambo Samuel
11:00AM - 4:00PM
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Lwanga Isaac
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Dr. Nnunda Ezra
10:00AM - 3:00PM
ORTHOPEDIC
Dr. Mutumba Isaac
10:00AM - 2:00PM
ENT
Dr. Isaiah Kalinge
10:00AM - 3:00PM
DERMATOLOGIST
Dr. Nsubuga Peter
10:00PM - 3:00PM
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Obiga Doomwin
9:00AM - 4:00PM
PEADIATRICS
Dr. Rhoda Mayega
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Close
Book A Specialist
Close
Close
Katikkiro Warns Ugandans Against Self-Medication Through Social Media (Copy)
Delivering outstanding patient care could not happen without the passion, commitment, and determination of the team of Our Health care professionals. So, to recognise and celebrate our staff, we run annual award schemes basing on Mengo Hospital’s core values that are Christ Centred, Excellence, Professionalism, Caring, Innovation, Integrity, Accountability and Safety Consciousness. These make a real difference to our Clients.
The employee recognition programme celebrates the very best achievements and successes of our staff. We also give Long Service Awards to people who achieve the fantastic milestone of 25 or 40-years of dedicated service.
Mengo Hospital Online
Hi
Hello
👋, welcome to
Mengo Hospital
How can we help you?
Open Chat