Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine has urged government agencies, NGOs, and development partners to address Uganda’s alarming malnutrition rates, emphasizing the need for household-level interventions to combat stunting, wasting, and obesity.
Speaking at a the 4th Annual Nutrition Symposium in Kampala, Atwiine stressed that despite Uganda’s fertile lands and organic food abundance, poor dietary habits and social neglect have worsened malnutrition.
“God has given us everything—rain, fertile soil, and organic foods—yet we face high malnutrition rates,” Atwiine said. She criticized urban over-nutrition trends, where processed foods like fried chicken and chips are prioritized, and rural under-nutrition, where families lack basic food security.
She also condemned men who neglect family nutrition, selling food for personal gain instead of feeding their households.
Atwiine called for targeted education for mothers, regional-specific nutrition plans, and mandatory school feeding programs.
“We must move beyond meetings and implement actionable solutions,” she said, warning that without addressing social and cultural gaps, Uganda’s malnutrition crisis will persist.
The Ministry of Health is rolling out an e-community system to track nutrition data at parish levels, ensuring evidence-based interventions. Atwiine challenged NGOs to deliver measurable outcomes, stressing accountability.
The conference, themed “Strategic, Sustainable, and Resilient Nutrition Investments for a Healthier Future,” aims to align efforts with Uganda’s Vision 2040. Atwiine urged attendees to prioritize community awareness and integrated approaches to reduce stunting (currently at 26%) and anemia.
“Let’s not just present fancy data—let’s act,” she concluded.