Legislators are in the final stages of drafting a new law that would make it mandatory for every household to maintain food stores or granaries, with the aim of bolstering food security in the country. This initiative is being pursued by the Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security (UPA-FNS) and has garnered substantial support from various stakeholders.
The chairperson of UPA-FNS, Milton Muwuma, a Member of Parliament representing Kigulu South, explained that the proposed law is intended to address the issue of food security. He emphasized the importance of consulting with cultural leaders, who traditionally managed granaries in the past. Muwuma believes that engaging cultural leaders in the process will help ensure the success of this new legislation.
Milton Muwuma also stressed that the government’s efforts to address food security have been insufficient, prompting the need for this legislation.
Linda Auma, the vice chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and a Member of Parliament for Lira Woman, expressed the expectation of full government support once the bill is presented, as it has incorporated input from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Flavia Kabahenda, a lawmaker from Kyegegwa, argued that food security should encompass the concept of a healthy population. She emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that it is easier to nurture strong and healthy children than to rehabilitate malnourished adults. Kabahenda called for the Ministry of Finance to establish a mandatory finance system to ensure adequate food for the people of Uganda.
Gerald Kato, the Consortium Coordinator at Right2Grow, demanded that the government implement effective measures to reduce food loss in the country. He recommended the development and enforcement of policies and regulations to minimize food loss and waste across the entire supply chain, from production to consumption. Kato also urged investment in irrigation infrastructure and drought-resistant crop varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change on water availability.
A report released by the United Nations on July 12 highlighted the global issue of food insecurity, particularly its disproportionate impact on women in various regions. Additionally, a report in May 2022 indicated that the Karamoja sub-region in North Western Uganda experienced high levels of hunger-related deaths, with fatalities reported in Kotido, Kaabong, and Moroto Districts.
