Philip Matogo meets Edna Kusiima, a creative who is also a nutritionist, at-of all places-a KFC branch, to talk about prolonging life by putting healthy food options on the plate.
The KFC branch at Acacia Mall in Kamwokya, Kampala, adjacent to the mall’s Cafesserie, is the bomb. Yeah, I said ‘the bomb’ (spelt ‘Da Bomb’). It’s detonated by the taste of the food. Kaboom! Okay, now I’m sounding childish. But it all started many years ago, when I was a child growing up in London, England.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was the rave. I ate so much chicken that my tongue grew feathers that took wing whenever I said anything ‘fly’ about the chicken. And trust me, there are plenty of urban colloquialisms to glorify the food.
It is certainly better than Kireka’s KFC, Kireka Fried Chicken. The image of Harland David Sanders, the American entrepreneur and founder of fast-food chicken restaurant chain KFC, looks meatier at Kireka Fried Chicken.
So, meaty that I wonder if he was getting high on his own supply and therefore left Kireka depleted of its tasty chicken. I did a little sleuthing and found out that the Colonel Sanders of Kireka is big-boned, not overweight.
His smile is wider, too. It’s the smile of the cat that ate all the canaries. Smug, self-satisfied and snuggled into the curl of his own grin. Enough about Kireka.
The helpings there are big enough to take care of themselves. I was more interested in taking care, as it were, of the bucket of chicken that stood before me like a sentry guarding against my hunger. A bucket was necessary. Anything less always leaves me wanting more of my fingers, as I lick them bone dry.
The essential cog
It’s a guilty pleasure, more pronounced when nutritionist and creative Edna Kusiima pitched up at the same KFC for lunch and a discussion. I know. It was impolite to order before she arrived. But she might have advised me against eating fast food if I had not.
Then I would have to kick the bucket, of KFC. I can’t just go around tempting fate by kicking buckets. I have a meeting to attend, that’s not at Heaven’s pearly gates or in Hell’s bunker.
Ms Kusiima is one of the most innovative and hardworking persons you will ever meet. She used to be well known as an Open Mic Uganda Events MC. That’s the biggest poetry and hip-hop platform online and arguably offline, too. As an MC, she revealed a voluble and engaging trait that comes with the territory of MC-ing.
Her dogged devotion to that platform was the reason it grew so fast, 10 to 15 years ago. Sure, Black Poet was the leader of that outfit. But Ms Kusiima was the essential cog that made it all happen.
We now found ourselves happening on a bucket of KFC. Well, Ms Kusiima was tasting, and so that left even more for me. Yeah, chivalry is dead. But so is the chicken and it remains a good thing. Possibly we might reconsider the utility of chivalry as a cold product.
Death is a transition, after all. Ms Kusiima is a vivacious woman. Her evangelical faith has imbued her with a distinct appreciation for a life that is not worth losing as American comedian George Carlin would have you believe.
Unintended consequences
Ms Kusiima is a nutritionist, cancer survivor, and entrepreneur, born in a small town in western Uganda. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, with over five years of university and field research experience exploring sustainable ways to address diet-related health conditions.
During her battle with cancer, Ms Kusiima experienced firsthand the powerful role proper nutrition can play in recovery. This journey, combined with her academic background, inspired her to establish Caheki Integrative Nutrition Centre in Bukoto, Kampala.
Through Caheki, she supports individuals with diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition, weight challenges, and cancer patients undergoing treatment, helping them make informed, nourishing food choices.
Her services include personalised meal plans, nutrition education, healthy snack packs, green tea, and nutrient-rich juices-all designed to support recovery, boost energy, and improve overall well-being.
‘Beyond my work in nutrition, I am a writer and poet and a founding member of the Uganda Poetry Society. I have authored two children’s storybooks, Meet Bobby the Farmer and Alexia – the Highly Priced Princess.
A devout Christian, I draw inspiration from my faith and the creative arts, blending wellness with personal expression in all aspects of my life,’ she reveals, nibbling a little chicken.
‘My mission is to empower others to make practical, nourishing choices that heal, sustain, and transform their lives.’
Her line of work
Based in Bukoto, Ms Kusiima’s approach to health and nutrition is essentially interdisciplinary. She will not only advise on what you eat, she will show you how a holistic approach to nutrition not only improves your body, but your mind and soul too.
‘My work focuses on helping individuals with diet-related health conditions make practical, nourishing choices that improve their health and support recovery. Through Caheki Integrative Nutrition Centre, I provide personalised meal plans, nutrition education, healthy snack packs, green tea, and nutrient-rich juices. I work with clients managing diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition, weight challenges, and cancer patients undergoing treatment, helping them choose foods that support their specific health needs,’ she says.
‘I also focus on nutrition education, empowering clients to understand how what they eat affects their energy, immunity, and overall well-being. My goal is not just to provide meals or snacks, but to teach sustainable habits that foster long-term health, recovery, and vitality. Essentially, I combine my professional expertise in human nutrition with practical guidance so that individuals can make informed decisions that heal, sustain, and transform their lives,’ she adds.
Uganda, nutrition-wise
I see a lot of Ugandans gorging themselves on rolexes (fried eggs rolled in a chapati, sometimes beef, chicken, tomatoes, onions and cabbages are added) and kikomandos (chapatti and beans).
In the case of the latter, if we were what we ate, Uganda would be full of commandos. On top of that, there’s this chicken I am sharing with Ms Kusiima. It might one day be the end of me, but at least I will expire when I am smiling. Enough about that. What does Ms Kusiima think?
‘Uganda is facing a growing challenge of diet-related health conditions alongside undernutrition.
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are increasing, with approximately 10 percent of adult women and two percent of adult men classified as obese, and an estimated 5.6 percent of adults living with diabetes. Cancer incidence is also rising, with around 36,000 new cases reported in 2022, and both obesity and undernutrition affect cancer risk, treatment outcomes, and recovery,’ she reveals.
‘At the same time, undernutrition persists, particularly among cancer patients who may experience weight loss and nutrient deficiencies due to disease and treatment, while some individuals face overweight and obesity caused by poor dietary patterns. Several factors drive these trends: urbanisation has changed lifestyles, leading to more sedentary behaviour; increased access to cheap, energy-dense, low-nutrient foods encourages unhealthy diets; and busy lifestyles push people toward fast, convenient, but less nutritious meals. Addressing these issues requires better public awareness, improved access to healthy foods, and lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage diet-related conditions while supporting recovery in vulnerable groups such as cancer patients,’ she adds.
Advice to Ugandans
This is really heavy stuff. No, not the chicken. But what Ms Kusiima is saying.
‘My advice to Ugandans would be to prioritise nutrition and make conscious food choices. Focus on eating a variety of whole, minimally processed foods-vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins-and limit sugary, salty, and highly processed foods. In addition, stay physically active and avoid prolonged sedentary behaviour. For those with diet-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, seek personalised guidance from a nutrition professional to support recovery and manage your health effectively,’ she posits.
‘Finally, take small, consistent steps-even minor changes in daily meals and lifestyle can prevent diet-related illnesses, improve energy, and support long-term health. Education is key, so learn about nutrition and involve your family in healthy eating habits.’ How about the road ahead? Ms Kusiima says: ‘In the next 10 years, I see Caheki Integrative Nutrition Centre expanding its reach across Uganda and beyond, becoming a leading hub for nutrition education, wellness products, and personalised dietary support. I envision a centre that not only provides meal plans, healthy snack packs, green tea, and nutrient-rich juices, but also offers community programmes, workshops, and virtual nutrition services to empower people in both urban and rural areas.’
In 10 years, I will be 10 years older. I know, my lack of ambition is concerning. I blame KFC. It serves buckets with holes at the bottom. One minute, the chicken was there. The next, it was gone. In fact, in the next 10 minutes, I am about to call the manager and demand to know where the chicken I ate went. I want more. Ms Kusiima, meanwhile, still has a prime eye on the future, and it does not include KFC.
‘I also aim to collaborate with healthcare providers, schools, and organisations to integrate nutrition education into daily life, helping prevent diet-related illnesses and support recovery for patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Ultimately, I want Caheki to be recognised as a trusted partner for evidence-based nutrition solutions, improving health outcomes and inspiring a culture of healthy living across the country.
About the nutrition centre
Caheki Integrative Nutrition Centre offers holistic nutrition counseling and support that nurtures body, mind, and spirit, promoting effective management of health and wellness.
Their healthy snacks combine taste and nutrition, offering fiber, protein and healthy fats to keep you energised and satisfied between meals. The facility supports individuals diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis and all non-communicable disease.