CEFROHT Executive Director Dr. Kabanda David Wins National Food Systems Award

Kampala, Uganda – The Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Dr. Kabanda David, has been awarded the Food Systems Award at the Annual Agricultural Awards Ceremony. The event was jointly hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Dr. Kabanda’s selection, made through public voting, highlights the impactful work CEFROHT is doing to promote the right to adequate food and build a fair, healthy, and sustainable food system in Uganda.

“This award is a testament to the collective efforts of CEFROHT and our partners in advocating for a just and sustainable food system,” said Dr. Kabanda David (PhD), Executive Director of CEFROHT. “We remain committed to protecting farmers’ rights, promoting agroecology, and ensuring safe and nutritious food for all Ugandans.”

CEFROHT’s work spans the entire food chain—from advocating for seed sovereignty and sustainable farming practices to promoting food processing that prioritises public health and environmental sustainability. The organisation firmly opposes the growing dominance of industrial seed and agrochemical companies in Uganda’s food system. These multinational corporations aggressively promote genetically modified seeds (GMOs), which threaten indigenous seed varieties and undermine farmers’ sovereignty, traditions, and heritage. CEFROHT champions seed sovereignty, encouraging the protection and exchange of resilient indigenous seeds.

The organisation also takes a strong stance against the widespread use of highly hazardous agrochemicals, many of which are banned in other countries but remain in circulation in Uganda. Farmers often use these chemicals without protective gear, leading to severe health risks and environmental damage. In response, CEFROHT advocates for legal and policy reforms to promote agroecology—a sustainable, people-centred alternative. Through initiatives like Agroecology Learning Centres, CEFROHT trains farmers in eco-friendly practices that protect biodiversity, enhance soil fertility, and ensure long-term food security.

CEFROHT’s efforts extend to improving food safety in local markets, where poor handling practices and inadequate infrastructure endanger consumers. The organisation pushes for stronger policies, better market infrastructure, and public education to ensure food safety.

Additionally, CEFROHT addresses Uganda’s rising burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 33% of annual deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The organisation supports policy changes such as the Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) to classify unhealthy foods and collaborates with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) on Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FoPWL) to inform consumers about foods high in salt, sugar, and fats.

CEFROHT is also advocating for stronger school feeding policies, stricter regulation of junk food marketing to children, and clearer food labelling standards to safeguard public health, particularly for children and youth.

This award recognises not only Dr. Kabanda’s leadership but also CEFROHT’s pivotal role in advancing food justice in Uganda. It underscores the organisation’s commitment to a fair, equitable food system that upholds the human right to adequate food. CEFROHT calls upon government institutions, civil society, media, farmers, and citizens to join this vital mission.

Together, we can build a food system that nourishes people, protects the planet, and upholds human dignity.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT)
Email: info@cefroht.org
Website: www.cefroht.org