Food Rights Alliance

Category: Views and Stories

  • 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

  • PRE-QUALIFICATION CALL FOR BIDS FOR FYI 2023/ 2024 (INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICE PROVIDERS)

    Food Rights Alliance is driven by a vision of a world free from Hunger and Malnutrition and pursuing a mission of promoting the realization of the right to food in Uganda through strengthening sustainable farming systems and improving food and nutrition Justice.

    Through her membership FRA implements activities across the country and beyond. Food Rights Alliance is hereby calling for applications from suitable companies to provide Internal Audit Services for the year 2023 and 2024.

    Interested bidders should download and fill either FORM ‘A’ for registered entities  FORM ‘A’ 

    Please view and download the Pre-qualification Advert HERE (link)

    All interested bidders should hand deliver their filled application forms and the respective pre-qualification requirements to FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE, Plot 82 Muteesa 1 Road

    All Bids should be sealed and addressed to: Procurement Committee, FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE, Plot 82 Muteesa 1 Road P.O. Box 5796 Kampala. For more information, please contact us on Tel: 07 06-535722 or 0788-104782.

    The deadline for receiving the bids is on 15th August 2023 at 5:00PM and bidders are required
    to pay a non-refundable fee of UGX 50,000/= at the time of submission which will be
    receipted.
    The confirmed pre-qualified service providers shall be contracted for a period of two years:
    2023 and 2024, from the date of confirmation.

  • 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

     

  • Ensuring Adequate Food: A Universal Human Right

    Ensuring Adequate Food: A Universal Human Right

    On the 18th and 19th of April 2023, Food Rights Alliance co-organized the second annual national conference on the right to adequate food in Uganda. In partnership with Uganda human rights commission, the Norwegian embassy, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, the World food program, the Food and agriculture organization, and many civil societies and government bodies, the conference was convened at Makerere University in Kampala with the theme “Entrenching the human right to adequate food in Uganda’s food system transformation agenda”. The main objectives of the conference were to assess progress achieved in the 20 years since the first national conference which was held in 2003, look out for the opportunities and challenges encountered during the previous years, and finally draw a road map for the coming two decades.

    The conference was physically and virtually attended by over 300 participants from academia, government bodies, civil societies, and well-wishers. The event was officially opened by the state minister of agriculture Hon. Bwino Kyakulaga and closed by the minister in charge of human rights Hon. Nobert Mao and the Norwegian ambassador in Uganda. Information at the conference was delivered in form of speeches, presentations, panel discussions, and question-and-answer sessions to keep the conference lively while achieving the set targets. Topics presented and discussed included;

    Food for health and well-being; it was noted by Ms Agnes Kirabo (FRA ED) that life begins and ends with food. In the year 2022, over 2000 people in Karamoja died due to hunger and lack of food. It also came out vibrantly that in Uganda 55% of households are vulnerable to multi-dimensional poverty with 39% of households working to provide for food needs in their homes. This means that there is a very big portion of people that are seated hunger gate.  It was quoted that food is health care and medicine is sick care.

    Food production and consumption in Uganda. It was noted that Uganda produces enough food that can feed all its population although due to climate change and population growth that is 3% higher than the food production increase, there is a likelihood that food shortage will occur. In the country, 72% of agriculture relies on rain which makes food production constant if not reduced due to climate change and other factors.

    Food security for national security. The Doctor Peter Milton Rukundo quoted  that ‘It is from the hungry that dictators are born’. Afande Karikona (UPDF representative) denoted that people have surrendered personal responsibilities to the government, therefore, putting a huge burden on it.  Ms. Agnes Kirabo (Executive Director FRA) quoted “The rich cannot speak when the poor are hungry”. This means that for the haves and halve nots, there should be equal rights to food for mutual and peaceful living.

    Food safety; 1 in 10 people suffer from food-borne illnesses each day, the rising cases of food safety are questionable with over 200 diseases being spread from food and over 420000 people anticipated to die per year due to food poisoning. As quoted by Professor Kaaya Achileo “If it is not safe, it is not food”. Food value chains should be strengthened to provide safe foods all the time. This is evidenced by the increasing cases of non-communicable diseases such as cancer that are on the rise in the country. These have on many cases been suspected to result from the aflatoxins in food.

    Elaborating on the importance of the inclusive right to food, the conference highlighted that the fight for this agenda is every person’s duty and requires personal responsibility, multi-dimensional action from all sectors like health, environment, agriculture, and human right. As the FRA ED quoted “We shall continue to rallying and holding the government accountable, not running in front of it”, there is a need to increase civic spaces that advocate for the inclusive right to adequate food if we are the achieve the targets set for the coming 20 years.

    By Margaret Nabukenya

    Programs Assiatant- Food and Nutrition Security

  • Agroecology: A Solution for Food Insecurity

    Agroecology: A Solution for Food Insecurity

    Food Rights Alliance (FRA) joined the rest of the world in the first-ever Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference in Nairobi, Kenya from 21st-24th March 2023 to share and engage in discussions on the issue of agroecology and its advancement in Eastern Africa.

    The event attracted high-level stakeholders from African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India, Netherlands, and the rest of the world as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and African Union.

    Stakeholders acknowledged the rising rates of food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition in the world as well as in Eastern Africa. Through the discussions made, agroecology was presented as a holistic approach to transforming the global food system and solving the global challenges of food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and climate change. In addition, agroecology was also presented as a potential approach for solving the high levels of poverty and debt in the Global South.

    Further, stakeholders engaged in discussions on the sustainability of agricultural production, productivity, and farming systems; Best practices towards food security and nutrition; Role of women and youth in agroecology; Agroecology financing, and institutional and policy drivers for agroecological transformation.

    Numerous calls of action were made during the event. Dr. Emma Siliprandi from FAO urged all stakeholders to practice the 13 principles of agroecology in all engagements across the food system. Other calls of action made during the conference included the prioritization of farmer-led research, promotion of progressive cultural food practices, and farmer-led seed systems, and increased advocacy for an enabling environment for agroecological transformation among others.

    FRA utilized the platform to raise pertinent questions on the context-specific ability of agroecology to address national, regional, and global poverty, food security, and nutrition issues. Further, FRA engaged stakeholders on the issue of contradictions in national policies, which hinder agroecological transformation.

    FRA highlighted that for countries to prioritize agroecology interventions in national policies and budgets, agroecology actors to establish context-specific evidence that agroecology can transform the food system, enhance food and nutrition security, and contribute to national development. FRA also highlighted that while existing policies present contradictions, they also have provisions therein that can be utilized by stakeholders to advance agroecological transformation in East Africa.

    By Claire Atukunda

    FRA Programs Officer- Food and Nutrition Security

  • Food and nutrition security: Why we labor to build Uganda

    Food and nutrition security: Why we labor to build Uganda

    National Labor Day amplifies the fact that life begins and ends with food. All work and efforts put are to make sure that each person and their families have food on the table.  From a larger perspective, Ugandans work not only to support themselves but also to build the nation. As such, it is crucial that the Ugandan government puts in place strategies to feed the people that work each day at the grassroot to ensure the prosperity of this country.

    During the recently held 2nd National Right to Food Conference held at Makerere University, it was highlighted that the country grapples with high rates of malnutrition, with stunting at 23% and the consumption of the minimum acceptable diets at only 11.8% among children under 5 years. While the conference applauded the continuous efforts of all governments in promoting food security in Uganda through projects like the parish development model, emyoga, and many others, more needs to be done, particularly in ensuring the effective implementation of food and nutrition policies.

    Credit goes to civil societies and individuals who constantly advocate for the advancement of the human right to adequate food, improvement of workers’ rights to a decent wage/salary, accountability of the taxpayers’ funds, and quality service delivery in all sectors. Food Rights Alliance has continuously shaken the tables of those who forget the feeling of hunger and have no interest in supporting vulnerable populations by mobilizing the masses to demand their rights and holding stakeholders accountable.

    We cannot forget the general population that has worked hard to maintain the food supply in their homes. To the farmers in this country, you hold the heart of the nation by producing the food we consume. We call upon the Ugandan government to care and focus on its people. Henceforth, there is need for agricultural policies that focus on local markets and systems rather than export market. Ugandans, let us produce to feed Uganda first and foremost, if we are to enhance economic development.  That is what the “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” actually entails.

    By Margaret Nabukenya

    Program Assistant- Food and Nutrition Security

     

  • Reigniting the hope of a rural woman

    Reigniting the hope of a rural woman

    By Orochi Freda Laura

    Aciro is a 36-year-old single mother of 8 children and 4 dependents living in one of the rural villages in Uganda. Aciro derives her livelihood from selling boiled maize in the evening by the road side market. Aciro says her husband chased her from her marital home because she only produced girls and is staying at her brother’s home who has given her a hut to accommodate her and her children. However, she also says that as payment for offering her an abode she provides manual labor on her brother’s maize plantation and also sells some of the produce at the roadside market. However, with the covid 19 situation business has declined greatly because her usual customers who were working at a construction site were all laid off and can no longer afford to buy maize. Aciro and her children are now living on one meal per day.

    Asio is a 29-year-old married woman of 4 children living in one of the rural villages in Uganda. Their sole livelihood depends on food grown on the family farm and earnings from her husband labor at a construction site. When Asio’s husband was buying the family farm Asio gave him some money to top up on the payment. Due to the covid 19 lock down her husband was laid off from the construction site.  He wanted to sell off the family farm so that he could buy a boda-boda to support the family. Asio signed the spousal consent form allowing him to sell off the family land after he broke both her legs.

    Karungi is a 14-year-old adolescent girl living in one of the rural villages in Uganda. Before lockdown Karungi was studying in primary 5 in one of the UPE funded schools in her village. During the lockdown period they received information giving them days to leave their land and the next day men driving tractors razed down their gardens and buildings. Even the only health center and school in the neighborhood has been razed down. Karungi and her family have been living in makeshift shelters. One evening as Karungi was going to the well to fetch water she was defiled by one of her neighbors. Her father on discovering that she is pregnant decided to marry her off to the neighbor after he offered to give her family an acre of land as compensation.

    Nakito is a 60-year-old woman married woman living in one of the rural villages in Uganda. Nakito ‘s family depend on growing of matooke for their livelihood. Nakito and her 4 children are in charge of growing of the matooke and harvesting while her husband is in charge of sales. Nakito never sees any of the money gotten after the sale of the matooke in the market but compliments her family’s diet by selling vegetables in the market in the evening and using the income received to sustain the family. However, during the lockdown period, the price of matooke dropped drastically leading to disappointing sales. The ban on transport made it hard to readily transport the produce to the far-off markets where there was a slight demand. When Nakito realized this, she started using the ripe matooke in the garden to make pancakes and local gin for sale. However, Nakito was arrested and detained by the Police for breaking curfew when she was caught hawking off her produce past curfew hours.  Nakito’s husband abandoned their home and fled since he was unable to look after their children.  Nakito’s children are now living with the neighbors.

    All these are some of the different scenarios that rural women and girls experience and this situation has worsened with the advent of the Covid 19. Rural women play a critical role in advancing agricultural and economic development as well as in ensuring food security. They are the primary producers of food and provide the major labor force in agricultural production. In Uganda rural women provide approximately 80% to 90% of labor in agricultural production yet they suffer from hunger.  As we celebrate the international day for the rural woman let us ensure that we reignite these women’s hope is by focusing and prioritizing initiatives and strategies that build resilience of rural women to weather the shocks of calamities and pestilence that affect their livelihoods. There is therefore need to ensure that rural women’s voices are recognized in policy making, budgeting process as this ensures her participation in all matters affecting her well being and economic development. It is important for Uganda as a country to recognize the role that rural women play in society and feature them prominently in the nation’s development plans.

  • Local Governments Ought to Be at The Forefront of Building a Resilient Urban Food System

    By Francis Ntwatwa

    The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the urban food systems worldwide, to be specific in Uganda affecting the food security and nutrition of urban populations. With up to 70 percent of the food supply destined for urban consumption, the disruption of urban food systems has particularly affected the food distribution and the food retail sectors. The management of the crisis by the local government can therefore play a major role in preventing the spread of the virus and at the same time in mitigating the disruption in the food system.

    With the country having at least 10million people living in the urban centers, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an eye opener on the food systems in the urban centers especially how food is produced, processed, distributed, consumed, recovered and wasted and how local food systems complement rural agricultural production. Closely relate is urban planning, which can be either an opportunity to feed cities better or an obstacle to making food systems work sustainably.

    The social, economic and environmental sustainability of Food systems and the evolution of urban diets is largely dependent on the management of Food systems in urban areas. Food shortages often associated with panic buying has led to increase in prices. This effect, coupled with losses in employment and disruptions in public food procurement and distribution of food to vulnerable groups, have directly and negatively affected access to food by existing vulnerable groups and have also created new vulnerabilities e.g. unemployed workers, those involved in small and medium enterprises along the food supply chain etc.

    Food and Nutrition plays an important role in the human health and social economic development of any country. Uganda still faces numerous under feeding, under nutrition and over nutrition challenges with variation across the rural and urban regions of the country.

    Majorly the policy makers have turned their attention to urban infrastructural policy development, ignoring the critical component of Food and nutrition security which has been given little to no attention in the policy frameworks of urban planning and development.

    The effects of the COVID-19 on food systems, points to problems in the upstream of food supply chain (Processing, transport, distribution and retail). The restrictions on the movement of people, goods and services and other containment measures such as closing of schools among others affected both food distribution and food availability. The panic buying and hoarding were detected in high income concentrated urban areas of Uganda, and is related to the ability of urban residents in high income areas to buy and store large amounts of food, neglecting and excluding the urban poor, who are the majority.

    Furthermore the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant gaps and critical weakness in urban areas, but also national food systems, as well as their coordination. The current health crisis has by far been turned into a food security crisis in the Country in many part of the region, but more biting in the urban areas.

    Going forwards, there is need to develop evidence-based and inclusive policy plans on food systems preparedness, and resilience to shocks. The  National Development Plan needs to clearly point out the preparedness of the Food systems in case of another emergency and pandemic in the country. Local Governments need to clearly map out the most vulnerable in the urban centers along with identifying modalities for reaching these vulnerable groups especially in the period of emergencies.

    Furthermore, there is need to promote local food production, and short supply chains, which will lead to greater sufficiency in the urban areas. By promoting local production through urban and peri-urban agriculture, as well as preserving agricultural land in urban and peri-urban areas Governments need to establish and improve traditional markets so as to improve producer-consumer linkages in the market.

    In essence, the Local Governments have to play a major role in ensuring that urban food systems are maintained, building their resilience, even throughout the period of emergencies, so that the urban vulnerable people, are not affected by the shocks of any given emergency, so that the population has enough and nutritious food to sustain them through emergencies.