Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament Frank Tumwebaze has spoken out to dispel speculation about his health, clarifying that his recent weight loss is deliberate and rooted in a conscious effort to live healthier.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Tumwebaze revealed that he has been receiving numerous “quick recovery” messages from concerned friends and supporters who assumed his slimmer appearance was a sign of illness.
However, the minister reassured the public that he is in good health, emphasizing that his new look is the result of intentional lifestyle changes.
“I am not sick. My new looks are intentional,” he stated, adding that his transformation should instead be viewed as a positive health outcome rather than a cause for alarm.
Writing from the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi where he is attending an ongoing NRM retreat, Tumwebaze used the opportunity to raise concern about what he described as a widespread but misguided perception linking body size to health.
He warned that many people wrongly equate being overweight with being healthy, while associating slimness with sickness a mindset he says undermines the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to Tumwebaze, this belief is not only inaccurate but also dangerous at a time when lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise.
“The battle against non-communicable diseases is far from being won,” he noted, calling on health professionals—including nutritionists, epidemiologists, and health educators—to take the issue seriously.
Tumwebaze explained that weight loss should only be a concern if it is unintentional, unexplained, or linked to underlying illness. In contrast, he said weight reduction achieved through deliberate measures such as dieting, increased physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments is something to celebrate.
He described intentional weight loss as “one of the best health targets” that disciplined individuals should strive to achieve, adding that a lean body can be just as strong—if not stronger—than a heavier one.
While acknowledging that some people may be unsettled by changes in appearance, especially if they are used to a person’s previous look, Tumwebaze maintained that such reactions should not overshadow the health benefits of maintaining a fit body.
In a firm conclusion, he rejected the glorification of excessive weight, stating: “Obesity has never been a badge of honor.”
His remarks come amid growing concern over the increasing prevalence of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease in Uganda, many of which are linked to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
By sharing his personal journey, Tumwebaze not only addressed public concern but also used his platform to advocate for healthier living and a shift in societal attitudes toward body image and wellness.
“It is well with me,” he added, expressing gratitude for life and good health while encouraging Ugandans to embrace proactive approaches to their wellbeing.
