Kampala, Uganda – December 5, 2024
At the launch of the 2024 Global Hunger Index in Uganda, held at Fairway Hotel under the theme “How Gender Justice Can Advance Climate Resilience and Zero Hunger,” Ms. Agnes Kirabo, the Executive Director of Food Rights Alliance and Chairperson of the SUN Civil Society Network Uganda, delivered a sobering analysis of the persistent hunger crisis in the country.
As a panelist at the event, Ms. Kirabo was asked to address the challenges Uganda faces in combating hunger, which remains a pressing issue.
In her response, she warned: “Hunger will persist. If we think we are going to throw interventions here and there and scatter them without addressing the systematic and structural challenges leading to inequality that are breeding poverty, we are widening the gap between the haves and have-nots.”
She highlighted a stark reality based on statistics presented from the Global Hunger Index 2024 and #UDHS2022 report:
“The beauty about hunger and malnutrition, sometimes it becomes an equalizer. The poor are undernourished, and the rich are becoming obese and overweight.”
Ms. Kirabo described the findings as evidence of collective inaction.
“At the end of the day, we are all going back on the track of ignoring or refusing to take action. Ladies and gentlemen, this report and statistics presented here are only demonstrating the total failure of our generation to address the basic humanity. If we cannot win this war of hunger and malnutrition, which war shall we stand up to be counted that we actually fought?”
She called for deliberate action, stressing the need to adapt food production and preparation methods to modern realities.
“Food will never be produced as it was; it will no longer be prepared using a whole bundle of firewood glowing between the cooking stones. We are not going to achieve it when women still walk miles to bring food, water, and firewood while the haves-not are running miles because of what they ate. We are not going to win the war.”
Ms. Kirabo urged collective responsibility and accountability in addressing inequality and supporting the vulnerable.
“It is our duty and responsibility, and we must be committed to ensure that inequality is addressed, resources are allocated, and accountability is upheld. Why are all resources going to Karamoja, and yet we still look at grass?”
Her remarks also emphasized the role of women in combating hunger and poverty.
“When you support a woman, you are supporting a household, a community, a society, a wealthier and healthier nation – and it is possible.”
The event underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to tackle hunger, malnutrition, climate change and inequality in Uganda, calling on stakeholders to take decisive and coordinated action.