CSOs, Stakeholders convene to discuss the review of the Food & Nutrition Policy.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Private sector players, consumers, and other stakeholders held a CSO stakeholders’ consultation focusing on the review of the Uganda Food & Nutrition Policy, which they say is a vital step toward ensuring food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods for all.

Hosted by PELUM Uganda at Fairway Hotel on 14^th April 2025, the meeting’s major objective was to provide a special platform for civil society and private sectors in nutrition and food, PELUM Uganda member organizations, and consumers to share their input to inform the review of Uganda Food and Nutrition Policy

This follows a period of 22 years with the current Food & Nutrition Policy 2003 without review despite changes in its context.

In her opening remarks, the Country Coordinator, PELUM Uganda, Josephine Akia, appreciated all the partners who continue to support them, the national allies, regional networks, and development partners who recognize that true food security must be grounded in food sovereignty

“Agroecology is no longer a fringe movement — it’s being embraced nationwide. With 76 member organizations, PELUM Uganda is proud to lead the transformation of agriculture for people and planet,” she said

Ms. Josephine Akia.

PELUM Uganda partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Alliance for Food Sovereignty (AFSA), Food Rights Alliance, and other like-minded partners to conduct the national stakeholders’ consultation meeting.

Despite Uganda’s immense agroecological potential, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, affecting nearly 10 million people (FAO, 2021), with 2.3 million facing acute food shortages (UNICEF, 2022). Persistent challenges such as climate variability, low agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic barriers continue to impede progress (World Bank, 2021).

Unhealthy dietary habits have continued to strain healthcare systems, leading to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which poses an additional threat, with 33% of annual deaths in Uganda linked to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes (Uganda NCD Alliance, 2022). Alarming rates of raised blood pressure (24% among adults) (WHO, 2021) and high cholesterol (7%) (Uganda Ministry of Health, 2022).

The Uganda Food and Nutrition Policy 2003 under section 2.2.2 states that the key specific objectives (ix) is to ensure a healthy environment and good sanitation in the entire food chain system; and (x) to safeguard the health of personnel associated with agricultural chemicals, food processing inputs and products, consumers and any other third parties likely to be affected.