Pollution of water resources is one of the major impediments to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical quality and potentially toxic element (lead and cadmium) concentrations in surface water sampled from Pager River, a tributary of the Nile River in Northern Uganda. Water samples (n = 18) were taken from six different points upstream (A, B, and C) and downstream (D, E, and F) of the river and analyzed following standard methods for their physiochemical properties. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify lead and cadmium concentrations. Human health risks from ingestion and dermal contact with potentially toxic metal-contaminated water were calculated. The results obtained indicated that the mean temperature (27.7 ± 0.5–29.5 ± 0.8 °C), turbidity (40.7 ± 2.1–50.1 ± 1.1 NTU), lead (0.296 ± 0.030–0.576 ± 0.163 mg/L) and cadmium (0.278 ± 0.040–0.524 ± 0.040 mg/L) occurred at levels that surpassed their permissible limits as per World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential non-cancer risks from the ingestion of water from Pager River by adults, as the total hazard quotients were greater than one. These results emphasize the urgency to restrict the dumping of wastes into the river to minimize chances of impacting the Nile River, which flows northwards to the Mediterranean Sea. Further studies should perform routine monitoring of the river during both dry and wet seasons to establish the spatiotemporal variations of physicochemical, microbial, and trace metal profiles of the river and the associated health risks.

Physical activity and lifestyle choices together influence the accumulation and distribution of body fat. University students are particularly at a heightened risk of body fat accumulation due to lifestyle changes associated with their academic environment. These changes include irregular meal patterns, increased consumption of high-calorie fast foods and reduced physical activity. Accumulation and distribution of body fat is concerning because it contributes to a rise in obesity rates, increasing the risk for metabolic disorders and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. The sedentary nature of university life, characterized by long hours spent attending lectures, completing assignments and studying for exams, further limits opportunities for regular physical exercise. This study aimed to establish physical activity levels and body fat distribution patterns among university students in Uganda, as well as the relationship between the two. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 students in the second semester of the 2018/2019 academic year. The study assessed four key variables: waist circumference, total body fat percentage (TBF%), abdominal fat level and physical activity levels. Chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between physical activity and body measurements. Prevalence of obesity was found to be 58.9% and 5.6% on the basis of TBF and abdominal fat, respectively, suggesting a substantial risk of obesity related conditions. Regarding physical activity, only 31.5% engaged in vigorous-intensity physical activity, averaging 1.7 days per week, while 82.1% participated in moderate-intensity physical activity, averaging 4.3 days per week. The odds of having high abdominal fat were reduced by 59% among physically active individuals (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20–0.84, p = 0.017). Individuals who met physical activity recommendations had 62% lower odds of exhibiting central fat accumulation (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.69, p = 0.001). This study highlights a high prevalence of obesity and abdominal fat accumulation among students and reveal beneficial effect of physical activity, particularly moderate-intensity exercise, in reducing body fat and associated health risks. Key words: Obesity, Exercise, Abdominal Fat, Waist Circumference, Body Fat Percentage

Background: Most existing data on childhood undernutrition in Uganda are derived from surveys at national and regional levels that overlook local variations in risk factors. This study assessed undernutrition levels and associated factors among children aged 6‒59 months in Napak District, Karamoja sub‐region. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted between April 24 and May 5, 2024. Multistage sampling was used to obtain 524 children from Lopei and Lotome sub‐counties. Data collection involved semi‐structured questionnaires and anthropometry. Anthropometric data were used to generate Z scores. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from logistic regressions were reported. Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. Results: The minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was met by 4.0% and 6.3% of children in Lopei and Lotome, respectively. None of the assessed children met the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The prevalence of wasting was 15.5%; moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were 9.2% and 6.3%, respectively. Underweight and stunting rates were 26.0% and 30.9%, respectively. Children from households earning at least United States dollars 8–10 per day had lower odds of SAM (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.65, p = 0.011). The odds for being underweight were higher among children aged 24 months and above (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.03–7.63; p < 0.001), and among males (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15–2.71; p = 0.009). Similarly, children aged 24 months and above had higher odds of stunting (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.13–4.86; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Children in the Napak District face a severe undernutrition burden exceeding national prevalence, with no child meeting MAD. Low income, older age and male sex were associated with poorer nutritional outcomes. Urgent, locally targeted nutrition‐sensitive interventions and income‐support programmes are needed in this drought‐prone sub‐region.

Population ageing is a growing public health concern. Despite the Ugandan Government’s efforts, like the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAG

The consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods is increasing globally and has been associated with an increased risk of diet-related non-communicab