Uganda faces nutrition crisis as CSOs call for joint action
People are encouraged to take balanced meals.
What you need to know:
- CSOs want faster implementation of nutrition priorities embedded in Uganda’s National Development Plan.
Civil society leaders in Uganda are calling for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to child stunting, warning that soaring food prices and dwindling donor funding threaten progress against malnutrition in children under five.
Speaking Tuesday in Kampala during a dissemination event for the Zero Stunting Campaign, Ms Alice Yayeri, Country Director of Right 2 Grow, said Uganda’s stunting prevalence remains “alarmingly high” at 26%, despite a slight drop from 29% since 2023.
“We celebrate the reduction, but 26 percent is still far too high,” she said.
She added: “There are glaring gaps in coordination among stakeholders, both nationally and locally, to plan, implement, report, and account for nutrition initiatives.”
The Zero Stunting Campaign, launched in 2023, aims to reduce stunting among children under five to 19% by 2025. But Yayeri warned that without equitable funding and grassroots inclusion, that target risks becoming unattainable.
“Inadequate allocations for nutrition across all levels are a major setback. Communities have locally-led solutions, but these are often sidelined. That has contributed to stunting persisting at unacceptable levels,” she said.
Right 2 Grow Country Director, Alice Yayeri, shares insights on the Zero Stunting Campaign in Kampala on June 10, 2025. PHOTO | PAUL ADUDE
She urged faster implementation of nutrition priorities embedded in Uganda’s National Development Plan.
Ms Samalie Namukose, Assistant Commissioner for Nutrition at the Ministry of Health, echoed the urgency, stressing that malnutrition is “not just a nutritional issue” but a symptom of deeper socio-economic vulnerabilities.
“Our strategy takes a life-course approach starting with maternal health. We’re rolling out multiple micronutrient supplements for mothers to curb low birth weight and stunting,” she said.
Namukose also cited new initiatives including optimal breastfeeding campaigns, innovations like egg powder, human milk banks at referral hospitals, and growth monitoring for infants.
The call for integrated action comes amid worsening regional challenges. Ms Ritah Kabanyoro, Country Director of Action Against Hunger, warned of an emerging nutrition crisis.
“Funding is going down, partners are withdrawing, and global food prices are rising. Malnutrition is skyrocketing…we are almost in a crisis, if not already there,” Kabanyoro said.
The leaders urged the government, donors, and development partners to prioritize child nutrition, or risk long-term developmental damage to Uganda’s future generations.
