THE RIGHT TO FOOD IN UGANDA

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

In order to enjoy the right to adequate and nutritious food, it is my view that ugandans engaging in agriculture ought to focus more on food generating activities. Fore example, people in the Busoga region are producing more sugar cane for cash than food crops contrary to peopl6 in the west who are engaged in cattle raring and matoke production. This may not only earn them a living but they are rest assured of the day's meal.

Most of the youths in the central region have resorted to boda boda riding and abandoned or actually sold their agricultural fields for quick money. This is devastating because in the long run there is actually no money or food for them.

The government has come up with programmes like operation wealth creation, such programs are welcome but should be more inclusive to the general public and instead of distributing coffee alone goats and other food crops should be made available to all.

The govern should equally have a food basket/reserve such that in case of any disaster like the current pandemic of COVID 19 it is able .to rescue its people rather than itself resorting to the people for Aid.

My view.