The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has taken a major step to update Uganda’s food and nutrition policies. Partnering with organizations like PELUM Uganda and the Food Rights Alliance, the government held a national consultation meeting on April 14, 2025, in Kampala at FairWay Hotel. The goal was to gather input from farmers, businesses, health experts, and consumers to shape a policy that works for everyone.

This move comes at a critical time. Despite Uganda’s rich agricultural potential, nearly 10 million people struggle with food insecurity, and 2.3 million face severe hunger. Climate shocks, poor farming practices, and economic challenges have made it difficult for many families to put food on the table. At the same time, traditional foods like African bitter yams, Bambara nuts, and sorghum—once staples in Ugandan diets—are disappearing, replaced by less nutritious processed foods.

The decline in traditional food consumption has contributed to a growing health crisis. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer now account for 33% of deaths in Uganda. High blood pressure affects nearly one in four adults, while poor diets worsen malnutrition and strain the healthcare system. Experts say a stronger food and nutrition policy could help reverse these trends by promoting healthier eating and supporting local food systems.

Small businesses, which form the backbone of Uganda’s food supply chain, also face major challenges. Huge amounts of food are lost before reaching markets—up to 50% for some crops like fruits, vegetables, and fish. Reducing this waste could make food more affordable and accessible. The new policy aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt zero-waste practices, turning food scraps into compost, animal feed, or even new products.

The national consultation meeting brought together farmers, traders, health workers, and policymakers to discuss these issues. Key focus areas included reviving indigenous crops, supporting eco-friendly farming, and cutting food waste. Smallholder farmers, women, and youth—often left out of policy discussions—had a chance to share their experiences and demand solutions that work for them.

PELUM Uganda, which promotes sustainable agriculture, emphasized the need for policies that protect the environment while boosting food production. “We must return to farming methods that work with nature, not against it,” said one representative. “Agroecology and traditional foods can help Uganda fight hunger and climate change at the same time.”

The revised policy is expected to encourage more people to grow and eat local, nutrient-rich foods while helping businesses reduce losses. If implemented well, it could mark a turning point in Uganda’s fight against hunger and malnutrition.

As the government finalizes the new guidelines, the real test will be turning ideas into action. With millions still hungry and food systems under pressure, Uganda cannot afford to wait. The April 2025 meeting was just the first step—now, the country must act fast to secure a healthier, more food-secure future for all.