Uganda Moves to Restrict Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Children Amid Rising Diabetes Cases

Legal Battle Intensifies as Advocacy Group Pushes for Stricter Advertising Regulations

Uganda has an estimated 900 children under the age of 14 living with diabetes. Across Africa, type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents accounted for 166,400 cases in 2015, with 7,600 new diagnoses annually. While comprehensive data on type 1 diabetes prevalence in Uganda remains scarce, reports from Mulago National Referral Hospital and Masaka Regional Referral Hospital—key centers for childhood diabetes management—suggest a troubling increase in cases. The condition is silently contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates among those under 18.

Under Uganda’s Constitution and the Children Act, the government is obligated to implement measures protecting children’s health, including regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods high in fats, sugar, and salt. In response, the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) filed Miscellaneous Cause No. 436 of 2019 under the Human Rights Enforcement Act, challenging the government and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for failing to restrict harmful food and beverage advertising targeting children.

The lawsuit demands a ban on all forms of child-directed marketing—including television, radio, and online platforms—as well as prohibitions on in-school promotions and the use of children in processed food advertisements. Additionally, CEFROHT seeks mandatory nutrient profiling and front-of-package warning labels to help parents make informed dietary choices.

The case is now before the Court of Appeal, with all parties having submitted their arguments. Preparations are underway for oral hearings.

CEFROHT remains committed to advocating for healthier food environments for children, aiming to curb the escalating threat of non-communicable diseases.