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  • THE WRITE SHOP ON THE IMPACT OF AFLATOXINS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    THE WRITE SHOP ON THE IMPACT OF AFLATOXINS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    To address this pressing issue and explore its implications on national development, the Food Rights Alliance (FRA) organized a Write Shop on 23rd June 2023, at the Piato Hotel in Kampala. The event aimed to develop a comprehensive position paper on the far-reaching effects of aflatoxins and strategize actionable steps towards mitigating their impact.

    Photography Credit: Food Rights Alliance

    The Write Shop commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Agnes Kirabo, the esteemed Executive Director of the Food Rights Alliance (FRA). In her opening remarks, Ms. Kirabo emphasized the critical role of research, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration in tackling challenges related to food safety and national development. She highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation to safeguard the well-being of Ugandans and promote sustainable economic growth. Ms Kirabo expressed her gratitude to all the participants, partners, and stakeholders for their commitment to addressing the issue of aflatoxins and fostering positive change in the country.

    Following the welcoming remarks, Esther Namirimu, the Program Officer of Advocacy and Communications at FRA, delivered an insightful overview of aflatoxins. Ms Namirimu shed light on the nature of these mycotoxins, their sources, and the various ways they contaminate food crops, particularly maize, groundnuts, and other staple commodities. She emphasized that aflatoxins not only pose immediate health risks to consumers but also hinder agricultural productivity and trade, leading to significant economic losses. The presentation underscored the far-reaching impact of aflatoxins on the overall health and development of communities, especially vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

    With the groundwork laid by Ms. Namirimu’s presentation, the Write Shop participants delved into the development of a comprehensive position paper on the impact of aflatoxins on national development. The strategy aimed to ensure a well-structured and evidence-based document that would resonate with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders. The paper’s development process involved the following key steps:

    Data Collection: Participants collaboratively gathered data from various sources, including research papers, reports, and case studies, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

    Analysis and Synthesis: The collected data was carefully analyzed and synthesized to draw connections between aflatoxin contamination, health outcomes, food security, and economic development.

    Identification of Challenges and Opportunities: The Write Shop participants worked collectively to identify existing challenges in tackling aflatoxin contamination and explored potential opportunities for interventions and partnerships.

    Policy Recommendations: The paper’s development strategy focused on formulating actionable policy recommendations that could effectively address the impact of aflatoxins on national development.
    Engaging Stakeholders: Throughout the Write Shop, the participants emphasized the importance of engaging policymakers, researchers, farmers, and consumers in the fight against aflatoxins.

    The Write Shop on the Impact of Aflatoxins on National Development at Piato Hotel, Kampala, served as a crucial milestone in addressing a critical issue affecting Uganda’s food safety and economic growth. Participants’ dedication to developing a comprehensive position paper and crafting actionable policy recommendations demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development. The collaborative efforts showcased during the Write Shop reflect the power of collective action in addressing complex challenges and building a healthier, more prosperous nation.

    As the event concluded, all stakeholders were left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to effect positive change in their communities and contribute to the nation’s overall development. The position paper will serve as a guiding document for future interventions and advocacy efforts to combat aflatoxin contamination and drive progress towards a safer, more food-secure Uganda.

    By Esther Namirimu Robinah

    Program Officer Advocacy and Communications

  • UNDERSTANDING THE AFLATOXIN CHALLENGE IN UGANDA

    UNDERSTANDING THE AFLATOXIN CHALLENGE IN UGANDA

    In Uganda, where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood for millions of people, the presence of aflatoxin in crops is a critical concern. It has been a persistent issue affecting both food security and public health. In recent years, this problem has gained increased attention due to its significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector and the health of its citizens. According to a 2020 report by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), aflatoxin contamination affects up to 80% of maize and groundnut crops in some regions. Contaminated crops not only result in economic losses for farmers but also pose grave health risks when consumed, leading to illnesses and, in some cases, fatalities.

    Photography Credit: Online

    The aflatoxin problem in Uganda has far-reaching consequences. It undermines food security by reducing the quantity and quality of crops available for consumption and trade. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aflatoxin contamination results in an estimated 25% reduction in agricultural productivity in Uganda. Contaminated crops are often rejected by international markets, limiting Uganda’s ability to export its agricultural products and generate revenue.

    Consuming food contaminated with aflatoxin can lead to a range of health issues, including liver damage, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable, as aflatoxin exposure can stunt growth and cognitive development. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Protection, aflatoxin exposure is linked to a 7-9% increase in liver cancer cases in Uganda.

    In Uganda, as in many African countries, women play a significant role in agricultural activities, including coffee cultivation. Women often contribute to various stages of the coffee value chain, from nursery management, planting, weeding coffee, irrigation, sorting cherries coffee Roasting, and brewing, however, their contribution is not recognized and still the most marginalized in the coffee system.

    Recognizing the severity of the aflatoxin issue, the Ugandan government has taken various measures to address it. These include promoting good agricultural practices to minimize contamination at the farm level, improving post-harvest handling and storage, and implementing stringent regulations to ensure food safety. Non-governmental organizations and international agencies have also joined hands with Uganda to combat aflatoxin contamination. These collaborations involve educating farmers about aflatoxin prevention, conducting research on new mitigation techniques, and providing resources to support affected communities.

    The aflatoxin challenge in Uganda requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, and international partners. While progress has been made in raising awareness and implementing preventive measures, more work is needed to fully address this critical problem. Ensuring food security and the health of Ugandan citizens depends on our collective commitment to combating aflatoxin contamination. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to invest in research, education, and infrastructure to protect both the agricultural sector and the well-being of the nation’s people.

    By Lucky Brian Wamboka

    Head of Program Quality and Partnerships

  • Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week 2023

    Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week 2023

    The Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week is an annual event that brings together agricultural stakeholders to discuss and explore innovative approaches to extension and advisory services. The 2023 edition of the event, held at Kabira Country Club in Ntinda from May 23 to 26, centered on the theme of unveiling innovative pluralistic AEAS approaches. The objective was to build actors’ resilience and competitiveness in achieving food security and promoting commercialized agriculture.

    The theme of the Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week 2023 emphasized the need for innovative, pluralistic approaches to agricultural extension and advisory services. Pluralistic AEAS recognizes the significance of involving multiple actors such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector to establish a comprehensive and resilient extension system.

    Throughout the event, various innovative approaches were unveiled, showcasing the potential of technology, farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and public-private partnerships in strengthening agricultural extension services. Attendees were exposed to cutting-edge technologies, including mobile applications, remote sensing, and data analytics, which have the power to revolutionize the dissemination and accessibility of agricultural information.

    The ultimate objective of the Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week was to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of agricultural actors, including farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources, the event aimed to empower individuals and communities to adapt to emerging challenges and seize opportunities in the agricultural sector.

    The sessions during the event focused on topics such dialogues on the status of agricultural extension and advisory services in Uganda. During this session that was moderated by Agnes Kirabo ED food Rights Alliance, participants engaged in a robust discussion, highlighting both achievements and challenges in the sector. They emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding these services to enhance agricultural productivity and rural development. The participants recognized the crucial role of agricultural extension in disseminating knowledge, technology, and best practices to farmers. They stressed the need for improved coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and farmers’ organizations, to ensure effective delivery of extension services.

     In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the development of agricultural extension and advisory services in Uganda, Ms. Kirabo Agnes Executive director Food Rights Alliance was honored with an award during the event. Her dedication and expertise in the field have played a significant role in advancing the sector and promoting agricultural resilience and competitiveness.

    The Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week 2023 was a resounding success. Through it’s theme of unveiling innovative pluralistic AEAS approaches, the event underscored the importance of fostering dialogue, promoting resilience, and enhancing competitiveness in the agricultural sector

    By Esther Namirimu

    PO Advocacy and communications

  • PARLIAMENTARY NUTRITION WEEK: Fuel for the Future

    PARLIAMENTARY NUTRITION WEEK: Fuel for the Future

    From 22nd to 28th May, the parliamentary halls were abuzz with discussions and initiatives centered on a vital aspect of our lives: nutrition. The much-anticipated Parliamentary Nutrition Week, held under the theme “Fuel for the Future,” aimed to bring together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to address the critical role of nutrition in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

    The event kicked off with a marching of different stakeholders, parliamentarians from the Independence grounds to the parliament of Uganda. Malnutrition, both in the form of undernutrition and over nutrition, continues to afflict populations worldwide. The Week served as a platform to explore strategies and solutions to tackle these issues head-on.

    The theme “Fuel for the Future” aptly captured the essence of the discussions throughout the week. The focus was on recognizing the transformative power of nutrition as the driving force behind individual well-being, societal progress, and sustainable development. It underscored the need for comprehensive policies and collective action to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and that the choices we make today fuel a healthier future for generations to come.

    Nutritional Education and Awareness: Parliamentarians engaged in robust conversations regarding the importance of nutritional education and awareness programs. “We commend the government of Uganda for all commitments made at national, regional, and global levels to address hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the country”. Claire Atukunda PO Nutrition at Food Rights Alliance. 

    Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: The Parliamentary Nutrition Week emphasized the urgent need to promote sustainable agriculture and food systems. Policymakers explored strategies to support small-scale farmers, encourage environmentally friendly farming practices, and enhance local food production. Emphasis was also placed on reducing food waste, improving supply chain efficiency, and fostering sustainable sourcing practices.

    Addressing Food Insecurity: Participants delved into the challenges of food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable populations. Discussions revolved around implementing policies and programs that ensure access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all. Special attention was given to promoting community-driven initiatives, such as urban farming and community gardens, to enhance food security at the grassroots level.

    Nutrition in Public Health Policies: The event provided an opportunity for policymakers to discuss the integration of nutrition into public health policies. The focus was on preventive measures to combat diet-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. Strategies included implementing front-of-package labeling, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and incentivizing the production and consumption of nutritious foods.

    The Parliamentary Nutrition Week’s theme, “Fuel for the Future,” encapsulated the collective commitment to address global nutrition challenges and shape a healthier, more sustainable future. As the event concluded parliamentarians and different stakeholders held a press conference to reaffirm their commitments and also commended the Government on what it is doing. “As Food Rights Alliance, we reaffirm our commitment to push back all forces that cause hunger. We further commit to fueling the future through working with all stakeholders to ensure that every Ugandan enjoys their fundamental right to adequate food, for it is immoral for millions to sleep hungry in a country of plenty. A world free from hunger and malnutrition is possible” Esther Namirimu PO Advocacy and communications.

    By Esther Namirimu

    PO Advocacy and communications

  • LAND ACTORS ON THE LAND ACT CAP 227

    LAND ACTORS ON THE LAND ACT CAP 227

    Under the auspices of the National Land Coalition with support from Food Rights Alliance, OXFAM Uganda and PELUM Uganda Land actors held a retreat for 2 days to make proposals to the amendment of the Land Act Cap 227.

    The Land question in Uganda poses an outstanding and unresolved challenge to the citizens of Uganda and despite passing of some of the most progressive land legislation in the region has remained unsolved. Ugandans are facing myriad land governance challenges each with its own dynamic and impact on the common man.

    Given the centrality of land in the lives of Ugandans; to most Ugandans land is the only asset that they own. it’s important that as a country we reflect on this crucial asset. Uganda is an agrarian country that relieves heavily on agriculture. The contribution of agriculture to the Uganda’s GDP is immense i.e. In FY 2021/22, agriculture accounted for about 24.1% of GDP, and 33% of export earnings. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda’s fertile agricultural land has the potential to feed 200 million people. Eighty percent of Uganda’s land is arable but only 35% is being cultivated. UBOS estimates that about 70% of Uganda’s working population is employed in agriculture. ( Source: https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/uganda-agricultural-sector)

    Despite the immense contribution of land to securing food security and ending malnutrition Ugandans are facing tenure insecurity. Tenure insecurity is often identified as one of the key causes of low agricultural production and productivity.

    Therefore the 2 days retreat provided an opportunity for the land actors who were represented in their various capacity and diversity    to make proposals on how the Land Act Cap 227 can be amended to solve the land governance challenges Ugandans are facing. During the meeting there was a general consensus that indeed there was need for amendment since some ambiguities in the Land Act Cap 227 was leaving Ugandans vulnerable to land conflicts, evictions and affecting land service delivery. Further representatives from the traditional institutions acknowledged that this was an important opportunity for them to make proposals to the Government on how customary land can be governed and managed.

    Food Rights Alliance supported the 2 days retreat because this was a very important process to make proposals for the family farmers who are very crucial to our food systems but most times are vulnerable to the injustices and inequalities in the agri-food systems. Its our most utter hope that the proposals civil society make to the amendment of the Land Act Cap 227 are taken into consideration by the Government. This is because for us to make strides towards ending hunger and malnutrition there needs to be an enabling environment for all Ugandans to secure and enjoy their land rights.

    By Freda Laura

    Head of Programs

  • MEAT IS NOT A LUXURY RATHER A NUTRITIONAL VALUE

    MEAT IS NOT A LUXURY RATHER A NUTRITIONAL VALUE

    With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the issue of food security is becoming increasingly important. One of the major challenges is ensuring that everyone has access to a nutritionally adequate diet, which includes sufficient protein.

    However, for a large segment of the global population, meat is financially out of reach. According to data from 2017, 3 billion people could not afford meat. Source 🙁https://www.ilri.org/news/ilri-scientists-work-highlighted-international-summit-societal-role-meat-and-special-volume). This number is likely to have increased due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, and inflationary pressures.

    The problem is particularly acute in countries with rural and traditional food systems. In these areas, 78 percent of people cannot afford a nutritionally adequate diet. This is a significant concern, as these communities often rely on traditional food sources, which may not provide adequate protein.

    There are several reasons why meat is financially out of reach for many people. Firstly, meat is generally more expensive than other sources of protein, such as beans, lentils, and tofu. In addition, the cost of meat can vary depending on factors such as location, season, and supply chain disruptions. Another factor is the global demand for meat. As countries become wealthier, their demand for meat increases. This leads to higher prices, making it more difficult for low-income families to afford meat.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the price of meat. Disruptions to supply chains, labor shortages, and increased demand for meat as a result of panic buying have all contributed to higher prices. In addition, the pandemic has led to economic instability, which has made it even more difficult for low-income families to afford meat.

    The issue of meat affordability is not just a matter of economics. It also has implications for public health and the environment. Meat is a good source of protein, but excessive consumption can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. In addition, the production of meat is resource-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

    So, what can be done to address the issue of meat affordability? There are several potential solutions. One is to promote alternative sources of protein, such as plant-based foods. These are generally less expensive than meat and can provide the same nutritional benefits. Another solution is to increase access to meat through food assistance programs or subsidies.

    At the same time, it is important to recognize that meat is an important part of many people’s diets and cultures. Therefore, efforts to promote alternative protein sources should be done in a way that respects cultural traditions and preferences.

    In conclusion, the issue of meat affordability is a complex one with implications for public health, the environment, and global food security. While there are no easy solutions, promoting alternative protein sources and increasing access to meat through targeted interventions are two potential ways to address this pressing challenge.

    By Esther Namirimu

    PO Advocacy and Communications

  • MILLET IS OUR IDENTITY

    MILLET IS OUR IDENTITY

    In a recent interview with NEXT productions at Food Rights Alliance Secretariat, Agnes Kirabo executive director (Food Rights Alliance) a food and agriculture policy specialist advocated for the incorporation of millet into our modern food systems. Millet is a crop that has been demonized and pushed to the brink of extinction due to market forces and the prioritization of a few grains. However, the specialist argues that millet is crucial to our nutrition, climate, and food security challenges, as well as our social stability. That is to say, Millet is important as a staple food crop, millet contributes greatly to the incomes of rural households, particularly women.

    It is brewed into local beer for sale and is sold directly as grain in local markets where there is ready demand. Furthermore, millet plays a major role in providing for the dietary needs of the rural people who constitute more than 80% of the Ugandan population.  It is a major preventative food against malnutrition, owing to its high content of essential amino acids, namely, tryptophan, cystine, methionine, and total aromatic amino acids (phenylamine and trysone).

    Finger millet is a fairly resilient crop; it is drought tolerant and its grain has an extended shelf life of several years without significant damage by storage pests. Millet, therefore, offers great food security opportunities for the country. (Source: http://www.bioline.org.br/request?cs99048)

    Millet is a crop that is deeply rooted in African culture and tradition and has a wide range of uses and benefits. It is a resilient and inclusive crop that is not as heavy feeding as other grains that have been introduced into the food system. It is also a short season crop with high value, making it an ideal choice for a changing climate. Millet is the answer to various challenges we face today, such as anemia and food insecurity.

    Ms Agnes Kirabo emphasized the importance of understanding that our food connects us to nature and to each other. Millet has the ability to unify and connect people, and this is what we need in modern society. As we face changes and challenges in our weather patterns and food systems, millet can push back and fight back. It can open the gates to a more resilient and inclusive food system, one that reflects the values and norms of traditional African societies.

    She also criticized market forces and argues that they have failed not just the African food system but the world as a whole. Agriculture and our food system are dependent on the mood of God and are a natural system that we must preserve and protect.

    To create domestic and global demand and to provide nutritional food to the people, Government of India proposed to the United Nations to declare 2023 as International Year of Millets. This recognition is an important step towards decolonizing our food systems and prioritizing practices, norms, and values that are based on resilience, nutrition, and social unity. By incorporating millet into our modern food system, we can celebrate our identity and who we are as a people. Millet is not just a crop, but a symbol of our culture, tradition, and connection to nature.

    By Esther Namirimu

    PO Advocacy and Communications

  • Good Food for Cities: Rethinking Mbale City’s Urban Food System

    Good Food for Cities: Rethinking Mbale City’s Urban Food System

     On 26th April 2023, Food Rights Alliance (FRA) in partnership with Rikolto and CONSENT under the Good Food for Cities (GF4Cs) organized her fourth Good Food Council (GFC) meeting held at Mbale Resort Hotel in the City of Mbale. The meeting was attended by 19 (10M, 9F) people as representatives from Mbale City Council, Vendors, and Media together with a team from Rikolto, CONSENT and FRA. The main objective of the meeting was to reflect on and develop a clear road map for the quarter for effective implementation of the GF4Cs interventions in Mbale City. Specifically, the meeting is meant to assess the implementation of the GF4Cs interventions and priority actions that can foster an inclusive enabling environment for food systems actors in Mbale City and; Generate a clear roadmap for the Good Food Council to guide the implementation of the GF4Cs interventions in Mbale City.

    The meeting was guided by the GFC Chairperson who was technically in charge of the discussions on the key milestones released in the last two quarters in regard to the implementation of the Good Food for Cities Program in Mbale City. FRA and CONSENT presented key achievements, including the formation of a Good Food Council, which includes officials from the City Council, vendors, and media. The Council has held three meetings, implemented interventions such as training of vendors, and developed monthly action plans to guide the implementation of activities for the period of August and December 2022. Another milestone was the launch of the Good Food Parliament, a multi-stakeholder platform which aims to advocate for policies that improve access to safe and nutritious food for all in the City. The Parliament involves representatives from various sectors state and non-state promoting a healthy and sustainable urban food system.

    During the discussions, key action points were identified including the need to clarify the roles of stakeholders and harmonizing plans for different programs in Mbale City. It was also suggested that a Memorandum of Understanding be signed between FRA and Mbale City Council to formalize their operations and commitment to the Good Food for Cities agenda. Currently, FRA is working closely with the Acting Head of Production at the City Council to finalize the process. Key recommendations were also highlighted to guide the finalization of the Quarterly action plan for the GFC including the need for Rikolto and Partners to conduct an inception meeting on all projects implemented in Mbale to harmonize a general action plan with clear roles of stakeholders, improve on the communication of what is being done in the City for other stakeholders to replicate what is being done in the City.

    Overall, GF4Cs Program is implemented in the Cities of Mbale and Kampala aiming to help cities implement sustainable, fair, and healthy food systems through a food systems approach. It aims to create local coalitions of businesses, consumers, and other actors in the food system to transform urban food environments for better consumption of healthy and nutritious food. Currently, interventions are focused on improving Mbale City as a Model City in Uganda using the Good Food for Cities strategies and approaches for creating sustainable, fair, and healthy food systems. Partners aim at fostering the development and implementation of policies and practices in Mbale City that can be replicated in other cities in Uganda and beyond, contributing to more sustainable and equitable food systems globally.

    By Brain Wamboka

    Head of program quality and partnerships

  • Safer Food For Better Health

    Safer Food For Better Health

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a food control assessment tool kit in Uganda, to assist in tracking and improving the safety of foods.

    The launch happened on 24th April 2023, at Hotel Africana, during a training that brought together different stakeholders within the agricultural sector to discuss food safety. Uganda continues to grapple with food safety issues, which prompted the government to partner with FAO last year in developing the food control system tool kit.

    This development comes as a boost towards ensuring the safety of our diets and health. The Food Rights Alliance, an organization at the fore front of advocating for food equity and Justice in Uganda, was part of the launch and discussion led by FAO. The FRA is currently, among its programs, implementing the Joint Actions for Aflatoxin Control (JAAC) project, that’s aimed at creating awareness and building competency in a movement to fight dangers posed by the aflatoxins risks in Uganda.  

    The FAO aflatoxins assessment and control tool kit, therefore, comes as handy in training, data collection and assessment in equipping different actors in the food value chains. The training by FAO helped equip stakeholders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with knowledge and skills in aflatoxins control.

    FAO believes that a thorough assessment of the food control systems will go far in identifying current strengths and weaknesses within the country, so that strategies can be devised to make food safer for consumption and competitive for the market.

    During the training, participants were taken through the different components of the assessment tool, including risk analysis, regulatory frameworks, food inspection, laboratory testing, and monitoring and surveillance. They were also trained on how to collect and analyze data, and how to use the results to develop effective food safety strategy and campaigns.

    Agnes Kirabo, the Chief Executive Director of Food Rights Alliance said the FAO food control assessment tool is a key milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve food safety; “It provides a transparent and structured approach to monitoring and improving the quality and safety of the food we eat,” Kirabo noted.

    Adding that: “With continued efforts from all stakeholders, CSOs and Government, we can ensure that Uganda’s food control system is efficient, effective, and responsive to the changing needs of the population.”

    By Esther Namirimu

    Programs Officer- Advocacy and communications

     

  • CSOs a crystal pillar in building inclusive budgeting

    CSOs a crystal pillar in building inclusive budgeting

    The Government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), throughout Uganda’s turbulent past, have had a love-hate relationship, with both institutions playing crucial roles in advancing the aspirations of the people and meeting the country’s development needs.

    One such function is in the national budget process, where the government identifies and allocates funds on the basis of its national priorities, through the executive and legislative arms, occasionally inviting participation from civil society and the public. 

    The Food Rights Alliance (FRA) has and continues to play a pivotal role in budgeting. FRA was founded in Uganda in 1999 to advance rights to food: towards the realization of a world free from hunger and malnutrition, as we push for sustainable systems for food justice for all.

    During this cycle, the Food Rights Alliance, together with its sister CSO partners, engaged the government in numerous budget processes, to promote an improved budget for agricultural, food, and nutrition financing for the Financial Year 2023/24.

    Such effort included engagement in the review of the National Budget Framework Paper or the next Financial Year, which eventually led to the development of position papers in response to the ministerial policy statements on agriculture;

    The products, the two CSO position papers on nutrition, and on agro-industrialization, highlighted key sectoral issues requiring urgent and adequate government prioritization and financing, presented to Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture in 6th March 2023.

    The CSO position paper on the Agro-Industrialization Program, addressed itself to financial, regulatory and quality gaps, affecting the agricultural sector, ranging from issues of irrigation, extension services, and poor postharvest handling methods which undermine agricultural production and productivity in Uganda;

    “Uganda faces numerous climate-related changes, particularly prolonged droughts which impede all year-round production for farmers.  The government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) has made progress in producing on and off-farm water for production,’’ the position paper reads in part, adding that:

    “However, we are concerned about the absence of a national strategy or plan to guide investments in water for agricultural production, especially among small-scale farmers. The review of the MPS FY2023/24 shows that MAAIF has abandoned the finalization of the irrigation master plan and is proposing to attain a legal framework for irrigation. While this legal framework is necessary, it does not negate the need for the Irrigation master plan to coordinate investments in water for agriculture production and productivity.”

    The paper goes on, in regards to irrigation, to make recommendations that Parliament tasks MAAIF to finalize the process of developing the National Irrigation Master Plan, as first directed by its committee. The same ministry is also asked to develop the regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for a comprehensive irrigation bill as initially proposed.

    For the nutritional policy position paper, the concern is placed around the low production and consumption of diverse foods among children under five years and women of productive age, the promotion of breastfeeding in public and private institutions, the weak nutrition governance system in Uganda, weak policy, legal and regulatory framework for nutrition and among others, the inadequate financing for agricultural research and technology development, provided to organizations like NARO.

    The position paper developed by CSOs, where FRA played a lead role, notes that with only seven years left to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Two; on zero hunger and combating all forms of malnutrition by 2030, Uganda must take a deliberate effort to allocate resources for nutrition interventions and implement, track, and report on nutrition outcomes to achieve this goal.

    Still, the paper observes that about five out of seven nutrition-implementing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Uganda highlight nutrition actions at objective and output levels in their plan of action next Financial Year, but lack specific activities, indicators, or budgets to achieve these stated objectives.  

    “We, therefore, urge the government of Uganda to prioritize investment in the implementation of nutrition outcomes to attain a well-nourished, healthy, and productive population that effectively participates in the social-economic transformation of Uganda. As Non-State Nutrition Actors, we commit to continue complementing government efforts to improve the food and nutrition situation in Uganda.” the paper concludes.

    Through its involvement in the budget process, the FRA invests in influencing the Uganda Government to be responsive and accountable to its citizens. FRA engages in budget advocacy to influence national budget allocations, utilization, and performance.

    It’s worth noting that the Alliance, works particularly, along the budget cycle, undertaking technical analyses and reviews of budget documents to ensure that national budgets address priority issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in Uganda.

    On 6th April 2023, CSOs led by FRA met the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture to present their position. Through this engagement, the Committee took note, and pledged to put the recommendations to consideration.

    They also affirmed their commitment to advocating for improved investment in food security interventions. The public, therefore, awaits to see this implemented in the National Budget for FY 2023/24 that starts next month in June.  

    It’s worth stating that Agriculture is the cornerstone of Uganda’s economy. It’s the main source of livelihood and accounts for over half of the exports, employing more than 64 percent of the population.

     An analysis of the Ministerial Policy Statement on agriculture projects that the sector is likely to receive UGX 524.89 billion of the programs budget, the Local governments on the other hand shall receive UGX 120 billion, National Research Organization (NARO) UGX 101 billion, and Ministry of Water and Environment UGX 132 billion.  

    By Claire Atukunda

    Program Manager Food Governance