The right to food has not been properly recognized under Uganda's legal framework. There are some provisions in the National Objectives and Directives of State Policy for the right; but even the Bill of Rights in the Constitution is silent on the same.
At the policy level, we have the Food and Nutrition Policy of 2003, of which its implementation is lacking. The institutional and legal framework for it's implementation is not in place due to the delayed enactment of the Food and Nutrition Bill into an Act of Parliament. This Bill was apparently discussed in 2009 but to date, has not seen the light of day.
Notably, the ability for many Ugandans to feed depends on their earnings. The outbreak of COVID-19 in Uganda caused the Government to put in place measures to limit the spread of the pandemic which just escalated the gaps in access to food. With so many people losing their jobs, and with limited means of transportation, people are left starving.
We appreciate the few efforts to facilitate the right to adequate food; for example, the Uganda Nutritional Action Plan (2011-2016) launched by the President in 2011. However, it would be good for Uganda to at least have disaster management policy provisions that among others; facilitate the right to food during such crises.
What is your view?IN
The right to food has not been properly recognized under Uganda's legal framework. There are some provisions in the National Objectives and Directives of State Policy for the right; but even the Bill of Rights in the Constitution is silent on the same.
At the policy level, we have the Food and Nutrition Policy of 2003, of which its implementation is lacking. The institutional and legal framework for it's implementation is not in place due to the delayed enactment of the Food and Nutrition Bill into an Act of Parliament. This Bill was apparently discussed in 2009 but to date, has not seen the light of day.
Notably, the ability for many Ugandans to feed depends on their earnings. The outbreak of COVID-19 in Uganda caused the Government to put in place measures to limit the spread of the pandemic which just escalated the gaps in access to food. With so many people losing their jobs, and with limited means of transportation, people are left starving.
We appreciate the few efforts to facilitate the right to adequate food; for example, the Uganda Nutritional Action Plan (2011-2016) launched by the President in 2011. However, it would be good for Uganda to at least have disaster management policy provisions that among others; facilitate the right to food during such crises.
What is your view?IN
edited Jun 27 '20 at 5:07 pm