Category Archives: Food Security, AgriBusiness & Environment Conservation

A taste of safety: Uncovering the food safety concerns in Fort Portal City food markets

A taste of safety: Uncovering the food safety concerns in Fort Portal City food markets

In 2024, Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC Uganda), along with Iles De Paix (IDP) and Fort Portal City, embarked on a mission to ensure the safety of the food consumed in Fort Portal and its hinterlands. This initiative focused on three major markets: Kabundaire, Mpanga, and Kisenyi. The aim was to evaluate the microbiological and chemical safety of commonly consumed food items such as raw milk, groundnut paste, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, African eggplant, and cabbage, and meat. Understanding the significance of food safety, the team conducted tests for various contaminants, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, heavy metals such as Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead, aflatoxins, and […]

Nutrition Situation of Children in Kyegegwa District

Nutrition Situation of Children in Kyegegwa District

According to the Uganda Census report of 2024, 7.4% of Uganda’s population is from the Tooro region of which 3 out of every 20 children in the region are from Kyegegwa District. Reports from the Kyegegwa District Local Government Health Office reveal that only 44% of pregnant women/girls attend the 4th antenatal care, below the national target (52%). Key to mention is that of every 10, only 3 pregnant women are administered antimalarials, below the national target of 66%. Approximately 55.6% of deliveries take place at a health facility. The Uganda demographic and health survey report of 2022 reveals that the Tooro sub-region is ranked as the 6th (among 14 […]

KRC-UGANDA PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICAN UNION CAADP SUMMIT

KRC-UGANDA PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICAN UNION CAADP SUMMIT

I had the privilege of representing KRC-Uganda as a speaker at the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Summit held from January 9th to 11th, 2025, at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort and Convention Centre in Kampala, Uganda. This landmark three-day summit, themed “Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa,” brought together over 2,000 delegates from 43 African Union (AU) member states, including development partners, heads of state, and agriculture experts, all committed to shaping a sustainable future for Africa’s agriculture. One of the key outcomes of the summit was the endorsement of the Kampala Declaration 2026–2035 by the President of Uganda. This declaration reaffirms African governments’ commitment to allocating 10% of […]

VALUE OF UGANDAN VANILLA: A GLOBAL COMMODITY ROOTED IN LOCAL LABOR

VALUE OF UGANDAN VANILLA: A GLOBAL COMMODITY ROOTED IN LOCAL LABOR

Vanilla is known worldwide for its smooth, sweet flavour, much of its appeal comes from vanillin, the key compound that gives vanilla beans their signature taste. Beyond flavour, vanilla offers benefits that go beyond the kitchen. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Vanilla’s calming aroma is also widely used to reduce stress and elevate mood, making it not just a luxury in food but a valuable asset for mental well-being. Vanilla grown by Mr. Masereke Misach in Mabere Subcounty Bundibugyo District Uganda has gained a strong reputation for producing some of the finest vanilla in the world. Second only […]

ENHANCING STORE MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING OF CORN-SOYA BLEND (CSB)

ENHANCING STORE MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING OF CORN-SOYA BLEND (CSB)

Effective store management and careful handling of food supplies, like Corn-Soya Blend (CSB), play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of communities. To address specific challenges related to food storage and safety, KRC-Uganda, with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), developed a training program to promote best practices, reduce food losses, and guarantee food safety. This training covers essential areas, beginning with inventory control and meticulous record-keeping to avoid shortages and prevent wastage. Accurate records, consistent stock monitoring, and applying the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle ensure that the CSB remains fresh and available when needed. Another key focus is maintaining proper storage conditions, emphasizing that storage areas for […]

 WHY THE RIGHT TO FOOD SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT

 WHY THE RIGHT TO FOOD SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT

As we commemorate World Food Day on October 16th, a day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979 to raise awareness about hunger and promote action for sustainable food systems, it’s crucial to reflect on the right to food. At KRC-Uganda, we have commemorated this day for decades through various events, discussions, and initiatives focused on food and nutrition security and their interlinking with human rights. Given my background in both human rights and food systems, I firmly believe that the right to food must be elevated to the status of an absolute right. THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES: WHAT EXACTLY ARE ABSOLUTE RIGHTS? An absolute right is […]

KRC-UGANDA AND FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE LEAD STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS FOR NDP IV IN THE TOORO REGION

KRC-UGANDA AND FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE LEAD STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS FOR NDP IV IN THE TOORO REGION

The Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda), with funding from Healthy Food Africa and Hivos, in collaboration with the Food Rights Alliance (FRA), organized a two-day consultative workshop focused on food security and nutrition prioritization within Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) IV. This workshop took place in Fort Portal Tourism City on September 19th and 20th and attracted technical leaders and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) across Fort Portal City, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, and the refugee-hosting districts of Kamwenge and Kyegegwa. The objectives of the consultative workshop included: 1. Assess the implementation of nutrition interventions through district development plans aligned with NDP III. 2. Establish local contexts for nutrition […]

THE ROLE OF DEBATES IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS

THE ROLE OF DEBATES IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS

In 2022, the Toro Sub-Region was identified as having a particularly high burden of malnutrition and child stunting (UDHS, 2022). Anthropometric measurements collected for children under the age of five revealed an alarming stunting rate of 38%, well above the national average of 26%. While Uganda’s stunting rates have steadily declined since 2016, reaching 28.9% by 2020 (Global Nutrition Report, 2020), these figures remain unacceptably high. According to UNICEF, malnutrition poses a serious threat to an entire generation of Ugandan children. Sharon addressing debate participants on the rules of engagement Several interventions have been implemented to combat malnutrition in all its forms. These include nutrition-specific interventions, such as maternal micronutrient […]

ENHANCING NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY OUTCOMES THROUGH INTEGRATING NUTRITION PROGRAMMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN FORT PORTAL CITY AND KABAROLE DISTRICT

ENHANCING NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY OUTCOMES THROUGH INTEGRATING NUTRITION PROGRAMMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN FORT PORTAL CITY AND KABAROLE DISTRICT

In an effort to improve nutrition and food safety outcomes, Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have integrated nutrition programming into primary schools. This initiative addresses a critical issue—four in every ten children in the Tooro region are stunted. Contributing factors include limited knowledge about nutrition, inadequate dietary diversity, and insufficient care for mothers and children. Moreover, food safety concerns need urgent attention. Pupils of Karambi primary school nutrition club pose for a photo with KRC-Uganda, IDP, JESE, RCA and political and technical leaders from Fort Portal City and Kabarole district during one of the school monitoring exercises Primary schools have become pivotal in promoting sustainable food systems by educating […]

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

Refugee settlements are often scenes of severe hardship, where basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are scarce. In these challenging environments, the needs of people with disabilities are frequently overlooked. Refugee populations often have higher rates of disability due to conflict, violence, and poor living conditions. Disabilities can range from physical impairments to sensory and cognitive, each requiring specific accommodations and considerations. People with disabilities are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Mobility impairments, for example, may limit their to access food distribution points. Sensory disabilities might make it difficult to communicate needs or navigate unfamiliar environments. Cognitive disabilities can complicate understanding of nutrition information and self-care practices. […]