The Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security, in partnership with the The Nutrition Society of Uganda (NSU) and other partners, were in Karamoja for a week-long celebration focused on nutrition advocacy, recognizing key interventions, and identifying critical gaps.
This initiative is reflective of a strong message that nutrition is central to Uganda’s development agenda, and the Parliament is stepping up to lead the way.
This years Nutrition week was commemorated in the Karamoja subregion under the them “EMPOWERING BETTER NUTRITION FOR THE PEOPLE”.
Karamoja’s realities:⚠️
44% stunting
12% wasting
45% food insecurity
(All significantly above the national average)
These are worsened by climate shocks, insecurity, and high poverty rates.
Yet, amidst these challenges, hope and action do continue to thrive. Field visits conducted during the week showcased:
☑️ Innovative local solutions
☑️ Community-led mindset shifts
☑️ Improved service delivery
☑️ Resilience-building efforts
Yes, more work remains to be done. But the progress is tangible and promising with leadership, community ownership, and sustained support, a nutrition secure Karamoja is within reach.
Still, we must confront a difficult truth that donor support is reducing by the day. Can local systems and communities rise to sustain the initiatives? The time to build self-reliant, nutrition-resilient communities especially in the Karamoja subregion is now.
