Kabale-based photojournalist Moses Agaba has opened up about the challenges of living with obesity, revealing how his weight affects his daily transport costs and exposes him to unwanted public attention.
Appearing on NTV’s Mwasuze Mutya, Agaba said his weight gain began in 2013 and that he was later diagnosed with obesity after seeking medical attention.
He explained that one of his biggest challenges is the extra money he spends on transport because he sometimes occupies two seats in taxis and buses. He added that boda boda riders also charge him more.
“Yesterday, I travelled from Kabale and had to pay UGX 80,000 in transport fares. I am still not used to paying double for transport. The boda boda charges me extra, and the taxi also charges me twice because I occupy two seats. It’s not easy living with obesity,” he said.
Agaba also revealed that doctors have advised him to consider surgery to reduce the size of his stomach.
Beyond the financial burden, he spoke about the emotional impact of how people respond to his appearance. He said he is often stared at, discussed in whispers and photographed without his permission.
Agaba urged the public to approach people living with obesity with understanding rather than making assumptions about their circumstances.
“I wish people would ask me what caused this change in my body. There may be a story behind it that you know nothing about,” he said.
His account highlights the everyday financial and social challenges he says he faces, while calling for greater empathy towards people living with obesity.