Uganda Commemorates World Food Day, Calls for Environmentally Sustainable Farming

Uganda joined the global community in celebrating World Food Day, with national events held in Kabarole District, underscoring the need to boost food production without harming the environment.

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze emphasized the importance of protecting wetlands and fragile ecosystems to secure the nation’s long-term food supply.

> “We must increase food production, yes, but we cannot do this at the expense of our environment. Encroaching on wetlands and degrading ecosystems will only compromise our future food systems,”
— Minister Frank Tumwebaze.

He further pledged enhanced government support to local authorities to promote sustainable agricultural development at the community level.

> “The ministry is committed to providing more resources — including vehicles and extension support — to districts to help scale up food production sustainably,” Tumwebaze added.

Despite the celebratory mood, concerning statistics were highlighted: nearly 29% of Ugandan children under five suffer from stunting due to persistent malnutrition. Emmanuel Rutsimba, Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the South-West Region, called the figures a wake-up call.

> “We cannot ignore the reality. Nearly one in three children under five are stunted due to poor nutrition. This calls for urgent and coordinated action,”
— Emmanuel Rutsimba, WFP.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

> “Food security is not a task for one sector alone. We need strong partnerships that involve everyone — from policymakers to farmers to consumers,”
— Dr. Willington Bessong, FAO Country Team Lead.

This year’s World Food Day theme — “Better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life” — highlighted the critical connection between food systems, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.