Civil society groups in Uganda are warning that the country faces a worsening food safety crisis that poses serious risks to public health. The concerns were raised during World Food Safety Day celebrations in Kampala, where activists called for urgent reforms and stronger enforcement of food safety regulations.
Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of the Food Rights Alliance, emphasized that food safety remains the most overlooked part of Uganda’s food system. She said consumers focus more on price and quantity than on the safety of what they consume. “We are committing slow suicide through our plates and cups,” she warned.
Many Ugandans shop in unsanitary conditions, often unaware of the contamination risks. Kirabo noted that food is frequently sold near garbage, stagnant water, and dirty surfaces, increasing exposure to harmful bacteria and toxins.
Globally, foodborne illnesses affect one in ten people every year, causing over 420,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. In Uganda, the Ministry of Health reported 1.3 million cases of foodborne illnesses in 2021 alone, making up 14% of the national disease burden.
A major concern is aflatoxin contamination—dangerous toxins found in staple foods like maize, milk, eggs, and meat. Recent tests confirmed that several consignments destined for South Sudan from Uganda were unfit for consumption due to aflatoxins. The contamination led South Sudan to block over 90 trucks at the border in 2023.
Chris Muwanika, General Manager of NARO Holdings, explained that the organization has developed a product called Aflasafe to help farmers combat aflatoxins in crops. While effective in the field, Muwanika stressed that poor post-harvest practices, such as drying produce on bare ground, often negate these gains.
“This is just part of the solution,” he said. “Proper drying and storage practices are critical. If farmers place produce directly on soil, they risk reintroducing the same contaminants.”
Kirabo and other advocates urged the government to invest more in research and technologies for food safety, including scaling up production and distribution of Aflasafe. They also called for training and empowering local agricultural officers and inspectors to enforce food standards effectively.
Further, CSOs demanded a ban on hazardous pesticides and a complete overhaul of the outdated Food Act of 1964 to reflect modern challenges and technological advancements.
The call to action is clear: Uganda must prioritize food safety in both policy and practice. Without significant investment in regulation, education, and infrastructure, millions remain at risk from unsafe food.
