The Wakiso District Human Rights Commission has announced its support for the proposed Food and Nutritional Bill, which seeks to improve the quality and safety of food and beverages across Uganda.
On 24th September 2024, Parliament granted Milton Muwuma (Kigulu South) permission to introduce a Private Member’s Bill titled The Food and Nutrition Bill, which proposes a one-year jail term or a fine of UGX 1 million for heads of households who, without justification, fail to provide safe and nutritious food for their families.
The bill has already gained traction, with Hon. Muwuma actively consulting the public on its potential impact.
Shafic Kagimu, representing FIAN Uganda, a food rights organization, emphasized that the nation is facing serious food quality concerns. “Everyone refuses to eat to kill,” he remarked, “but food companies often fail to provide clear ingredient information to the public.”
The district’s Environment and Livestock Resources Officer, Rebecca Ssabaganzi Bukenya, stated that Wakiso will increase monitoring efforts across food and beverage factories to ensure that all products meet quality standards.
However, following a recent tragic incident in the Kigoogwa area, where a fire claimed more than 25 lives and left others hospitalized, Wakiso Human Rights Commission Chairman Elly Kasirye and PSD lawyer Hadijja Nansubuga urged the government to enhance public education on emergency safety. They called for the engagement of experts to help the public better protect themselves during such emergencies.
The Food and Nutritional Bill aims to tackle Uganda’s nutritional issues by assigning household heads specific responsibilities, such as providing nutritious food, maintaining a food reserve, engaging in work, and participating in community development.
Failure to fulfill these obligations without cause could lead to fines or jail time. The bill targets malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and food insecurity, highlighting that 2.4 million Ugandan children suffer from stunting and 33% of annual deaths are related to non-communicable diseases.
Key proposals include establishing National and District Food Reserves to reduce dependence on donor aid and improve crisis preparedness. The bill mandates fines or jail time for companies or individuals who violate the right to food.
It also calls for the Ministry of Education to ensure schools provide nutritious meals and the Ministry of Health to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. Additionally, it addresses the needs of orphaned children.
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