Nansana Municipality MP Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa has proposed the introduction of a free mandatory national health check-up day to enable Ugandans to routinely assess their health status and detect illnesses before they develop into life-threatening conditions.
Zambaali argues that many Ugandans are living with undiagnosed health conditions because of the high cost of accessing medical services. As a result, some illnesses go unnoticed until they cause serious complications or sudden deaths.
He has proposed that the government designate a specific day when all Ugandans would be required to undergo free medical check-ups, drawing comparisons with the national cleaning day, when businesses and communities are expected to participate in cleaning activities before opening their premises.
“Government should come up with a day for mandatory health check-up for all Ugandans to know their status,” Zambaali said.
The Nansana legislator made the proposal while eulogising comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere Lufotose, who died suddenly on Sunday evening after collapsing during a visit to his daughter’s school, Jolibo Junior School, in Buddo.
Reflecting on Kapere’s sudden death, Zambaali observed that many Ugandans could be suffering from illnesses without knowing, partly because routine medical examinations remain unaffordable for a significant section of the population.
“Most Ugandans are sick but they don’t know because it’s expensive for one to access check-ups in medical facilities,” he said.
The legislator believes that a government-supported national health check-up initiative would encourage early detection of diseases, promote timely access to treatment and potentially reduce preventable deaths.
His proposal comes amid renewed public attention on sudden deaths and the importance of routine medical examinations, preventive healthcare and early diagnosis.
