Social Justice in Food: A Silver Bullet to End Malnutrition, Ill Health, and Premature Death in Uganda

KAMPALA – While Uganda is often regarded as the food basket of East Africa, families across the nation still go hungry, children suffer from malnutrition, and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise.

As the world marks World Day of Social Justice—an annual event highlighting issues of equitable living—attention must turn to Uganda’s pressing challenges in food security, nutrition, health, and agriculture.

Even before COVID-19 disrupted incomes and supply chains, malnutrition, chronic hunger, and acute food shortages were escalating due to multiple factors, including unhealthy diets, contaminated food, socio-economic disparities, natural hazards, climate change, and pest infestations. Now, as health workers battle the pandemic, livelihoods have been further strained, exacerbating food insecurity—particularly among the most vulnerable, many of whom endure days with just one meal or none at all.

A Crisis in Numbers

According to an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report from August 2020, 23% (2.6 million people) in Uganda face high levels of acute food insecurity, while 40% are in minimal but precarious conditions. Many are resorting to crisis coping strategies, leading to widening food consumption gaps and reduced dietary diversity—key drivers of malnutrition.

The absence of national food reserves has worsened the crisis. Without strategic reserves, the government lacks a buffer to shield citizens from hunger during emergencies, leaving millions without access to safe, nutritious food.

The Core of Social Justice: Equity and Access

Social justice hinges on participation, access, equity, and fair distribution of opportunities. Uganda’s Constitution mandates the establishment of national food reserves—a legal obligation that, if fulfilled, could save countless lives from starvation and food-related deaths.

The Hidden Killers: Unsafe Food and Chemicals

Beyond hunger, toxic food systems pose grave health risks. The 2018 Annual Agricultural Survey revealed that 21% of Ugandan farmers use hazardous agrochemicals, while research shows 38% of fruits and vegetables in local markets are contaminated with dangerous pesticide residues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 33% of annual deaths in Uganda stem from NCDs linked to unhealthy diets high in sugar, salt, and fat. Additionally, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) warns that 28% of food sold and consumed contains aflatoxins—deadly carcinogens.

A Constitutional Right, Yet Unfulfilled

Uganda’s 1995 Constitution recognizes the right to adequate food as part of its economic, social, and cultural rights framework. The government has also adopted a Food and Nutrition Policy (2003), pledging a rights-based approach to food security. Yet, implementation remains weak, leaving millions malnourished and vulnerable.

A Call to Action

As Uganda joins the global commemoration of World Day of Social Justice, CEFROHT urges policymakers to:

• Restore national food reserves through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
• Enforce stricter regulations on agrochemical use and food safety.
• Prioritize affordable, nutritious food access for all citizens.

The pandemic has exposed the fragility of Uganda’s food systems. Without urgent action, malnutrition, illness, and premature deaths will continue to plague the nation.

The time to act is now.

By Jane Nkasiima