Uganda, May 10 -- Medics want physical exercise made compulsory in schools, a move seeking to prevent the rising cases of obesity and heart complications resulting from the inability among learners.

They fear that Uganda could face an escalating burden of heart-related diseases if strict policies on playgrounds, sports facilities and healthier lifestyles are not enforced.

The call comes amid the growing burden of heart-related diseases, with at least 36 percent of learners across the country having obesity, data from the Uganda Heart Institute shows.

This is associated with soaring healthcare costs and a generation vulnerable to preventable chronic illness.

Dr John Omagino, the UHI Executive Director, asked the government to introduce...