Stakeholders call for collective efforts to fight hunger in Uganda

31 October 2026, 12:58 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for stronger collaboration and practical interventions to address hunger and rising food prices, which continue to threaten the livelihoods of Ugandans.

The call was made during a High-Level Post-World Food Day Policy Dialogue held in Kampala this week, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Food Rights Alliance and other partners.

The meeting aimed at discussing practical solutions to food insecurity, improving nutrition and addressing the increasing cost of food.

World Food Day is commemorated every 16th of October by member states of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Uganda joined the rest of the world in marking the day in Mbarara under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”

The celebrations, which have been observed since 1981, provide an opportunity to raise awareness about hunger, food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Food Rights Alliance, Agnes Kirabo, reminded participants that fighting hunger is everyone’s responsibility. She urged the public to be mindful of the food they serve and avoid unnecessary food waste.

Meanwhile, the former Minister and current Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, emphasised the need to equip farmers with practical and localised agricultural advice based on their soil conditions to enable them to select suitable crops and improve production.

Kyambadde also called for increased public education on the nutritional value of different foods, particularly to improve children’s nutrition at household level.

She further raised concerns over food adulteration involving products such as milk, flour, cooking oil and beans, urging security agencies and legal authorities to take action against individuals endangering consumers’ health.

Meanwhile, during the World Food Day celebrations in Mbarara, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, emphasised the need for farmers to balance four key pillars of agriculture: food security crops, income-generating crops, animal feed security crops and environmental security.

“We need to balance the four pillars of farming: food security farming, income-generating crops, animal feed security crops and environmental security,” he said.

He added that research and science are important in providing the knowledge, tools and innovations needed to support these agricultural priorities.

According to figures attributed to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, approximately 3.6 million people in Uganda, representing about 17 per cent of the analysed population, face high levels of acute food insecurity, with the number projected to rise to 4.4 million by early 2027.

The situation is particularly concerning in the Karamoja sub-region, where prolonged drought and food shortages have worsened hunger and malnutrition.

The Global Hunger Index ranks Uganda 88th among 122 countries, with a score of 20.7, indicating a serious level of hunger.

Stakeholders at the dialogue reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners to strengthen food systems, improve nutrition and advance the country’s efforts towards achieving zero hunger.