World Vision and Ugandan Government Launch ‘ENOUGH’ Campaign to Combat Child Hunger and Malnutrition

World Vision and Ugandan Government Launch ‘ENOUGH’ Campaign to Combat Child Hunger and Malnutrition

KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a landmark event held on August 21, 2024, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with World Vision, unveiled the “ENOUGH” campaign, a comprehensive initiative designed to eradicate child hunger and malnutrition across the country. The launch, which took place at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, saw the convergence of key government officials, international partners, and stakeholders committed to addressing one of Uganda’s most urgent challenges.

The “ENOUGH” campaign is poised to make a significant impact, targeting more than 5 million people across Uganda. Speaking at the event, Rukia Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring food security for all Ugandans. “The right to food is a fundamental human right guaranteed under the 1995 constitution of Uganda,” Nakadama asserted, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to encourage food production, storage, and the establishment of national food reserves.

Nakadama highlighted the critical importance of modernizing Uganda’s agricultural sector as a means to enhance food production not only for domestic consumption but also for export to international markets. “We have to modernize agriculture to be able to produce more for consumption and a wider market beyond our borders,” she stated, calling for a concerted effort to improve service delivery and implement sustainable agricultural practices.

The “ENOUGH” campaign aims to tackle the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, which include inadequate agricultural practices, poor nutrition education, and limited access to essential healthcare services. The government has pledged to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration, address policy gaps, and increase budgetary allocations to the agricultural sector as part of its strategy to support the campaign.
Nakadama also pointed out the need for increased public awareness and education on proper nutrition, which is vital to changing harmful feeding practices. “We commit to supporting the ENOUGH Campaign, particularly in the creation of awareness and provision of nutrition education so that we can change the behavior and harmful feeding practices so that our children are healthy and able to thrive,” she added, reinforcing the government’s role in this national effort.

World Vision Uganda, a key partner in the “ENOUGH” campaign, has committed a substantial USD 75,000,000 over the next two years to support a range of programs aimed at combating child hunger and malnutrition. Jeremiah Nyagah, National Director of World Vision Uganda, highlighted the urgency of the campaign, noting that it comes at a time when food security is increasingly under threat both within Uganda and across the African continent.

Nyagah stressed the link between poverty, hunger, and violence against children, noting that previous World Vision initiatives have led to significant reductions in child marriages, violence in schools, and other forms of child exploitation. “Every child deserves the right food they need to develop a healthy body and mind,” Nyagah stated, emphasizing World Vision’s commitment to improving the well-being of Uganda’s most vulnerable children.

Jacqueline K. Opondo, Board Chairperson of World Vision Uganda, emphasized the necessity of integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to effectively address hunger and malnutrition. “Building secure livelihoods and improving nutrition requires multi-sectoral and integrated approaches,” Opondo remarked, outlining World Vision’s efforts in promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, supporting cash and food assistance programs, and investing in community-based initiatives that foster long-term change.
Opondo highlighted the alignment of the “ENOUGH” campaign with global and national development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa Agenda 2063, and Uganda’s National Development Plan III and Vision 2040. By leveraging these frameworks, the campaign aims to accelerate progress towards achieving Zero Hunger in Uganda.

The “ENOUGH” campaign represents a strategic and comprehensive approach to addressing child hunger and malnutrition in Uganda. Through a combination of immediate relief efforts and long-term developmental programs, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable impact on food security in the country. The government, in collaboration with World Vision and other partners, will focus on improving agricultural practices, enhancing food storage capabilities, and ensuring that nutrition education reaches all corners of the nation.

The launch of the “ENOUGH” campaign signals a renewed commitment to tackling the root causes of food insecurity, particularly in the face of challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and population growth. As this initiative gains momentum, it is expected to serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar issues, demonstrating the effectiveness of a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to achieving food security and nutritional well-being.

The campaign is a critical step towards eradicating child hunger and malnutrition in Uganda. With the combined efforts of the government, World Vision, and a wide range of partners, the campaign is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Ugandans. As the initiative progresses, it will not only address immediate food security needs but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ugandan children.