On 24th June, 2024, Food Rights Alliance (FRA) with other stakeholders was privileged of participating in the USAID Mission Director’s visit to the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO at NACRRI Golf Course Grounds. The event, supported by the Feed the Future ISS Activity, provided a platform for FRA to showcase the key achievements of the Joint Advocacy on Aflatoxin Control (JAAC) Campaign.
Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of FRA, highlighted the organization’s strategic efforts to address aflatoxin issues in Uganda. These efforts include collaborative stakeholder engagement, influencing policy processes, and civic consciousness-building. Since the launch of the JAAC campaign three months ago, FRA has secured commitments from various state and non-state actors to achieve an aflatoxin-free agri-food system.
FRA’s role in the campaign is to facilitate access to evidence-based information on aflatoxin risks and opportunities, promote best practices for management and control, and work with strategic partners towards a food and feed sector that meets minimum aflatoxin standards in Uganda.
The session concluded with a symbolic gesture, as the USAID Mission Director Uganda, Ms. Daniele Nyirandutiye, kicked the ‘Aflatoxin Ball,’ signifying a commitment to eradicate aflatoxin from Uganda. This gesture marked a significant milestone in the fight against aflatoxin contamination, demonstrating the collective resolve to ensure food security and safety in the country.
The event reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing aflatoxin contamination. FRA’s partnership with USAID, Feed the Future ISS Activity, and other stakeholders has been instrumental in driving progress in the JAAC campaign. As the campaign continues to gain momentum, it is clear that a coordinated approach is essential in achieving an aflatoxin-free agri-food system in Uganda.
By Lucky Brian Wamboka
Head of Program quality and Partnerships
