Hon. MAAIF’s BRIEF TO THE MEDIA

ON

THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 45TH WORLD FOOD DAY 16TH OCTOBER 2025 UNDER THE THEME: " HAND IN HAND FOR BETTER FOODS AND A BETTER FUTURE "


AT


THE UGANDA MEDIA CENTER


WEDNESDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2025

Good morning, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen
I Welcome you all to this media briefing as we officially announce Uganda’s commemoration of the 45th World Food Day (WFD), which is celebrated globally every year on 16th October. This day holds immense significance because it raises awareness and mobilizes action on critical issues of hunger, food security, and the future of our food systems.
This year’s commemoration also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. We congratulate FAO and commend the synergies we have shared over the time.
The National Celebrations will be at Rwebitaba Research Institute, Kyembogo Station in Kabarole district on 16th October 2025 starting at 09:00am.
1.WFD 2025 Theme: "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future"
"This year's theme, 'Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,' is a powerful call for global and national collaboration. It emphasizes that transforming our agrifood systems requires us to work together – across governments, organizations, the private sector, academia, and communities – for the benefit of both people and our planet."
"In Uganda, the spirit of 'Hand in Hand' resonates deeply with our cherished tradition of Bulungi Bwansi – working together for the common good. It's about harnessing our collective strength for a shared goal: better food and a better future for every Ugandan."
In line with this theme, a number of community activities such as tree planting, market clean-ups, establishment of school gardens, and public dialogues involving farmers, traders and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions to food will be held.
2.Sustaining the Impact: Beyond One Day
Last year while attending the Global Food Week engagements, a number of key issues arose specifically food waste and food loss. It became apparent that as we have discussions about food production on such a day, we need to also discuss how we are managing what we have. We cannot continue lamenting without changing our habits.
World food day should not be seen as just a day where we talk about how we are producing but also what we are producing and how we are managing our food for equitable distribution, better nutrition and sustainability.
"We need 'Voices of Change' within our communities using the available communication platforms to discuss better practices and habits even after WFD."
"For sustained follow-up, we will all at our different levels continue community dialogues and report back on the successes of these partnerships and actions during next year's WFD, ensuring accountability and continuous progress."
3.Relevance of the Theme for Uganda
Agriculture as Uganda’s Backbone: "Over 70% of Ugandans rely on agriculture. Yet, challenges like low productivity, post-harvest losses, climate change, and limited market access persist. This theme directly addresses the need for collaboration to jointly improve food production, distribution, and nutrition outcomes."
Addressing Food and Nutrition Security: We still have pockets of malnutrition, with about 25% of children under five stunted. 'Better foods' means safe, nutritious, and affordable diets, vital for healthy growth, strong immunity, and productivity.
Tackling Climate Change and Sustainability: "Climate variability threatens our food security. The theme calls for joint action to promote climate-smart agriculture, drought-tolerant crops, water harvesting, and better land management, safeguarding our environment while ensuring food security."
Promoting Peace and Stability: "'Hand in Hand' underscores unity and peacebuilding through inclusive agricultural development, empowering our youth and women, and reducing rural poverty – recognizing that food insecurity can fuel conflict."
Supporting National Development Goals: "This theme perfectly supports our Parish Development Model (PDM) and Agro-Industrialisation priorities under NDP IV, shifting farmers from subsistence to market-oriented production. As you may know, an economically empowered population has a choice in what they consume.
"Ultimately, for Ugandans, this theme is a call to work together – across communities, institutions, and sectors – to improve food quality, guarantee food security, protect natural resources, and create a brighter, healthier future for generations to come."
4. Why Rwebitaba Research Institute?
The national celebrations will be hosted at Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), specifically at Kyembogo station, 10 kms out of Fort Portal City, in Tooro sub-region. This choice is deliberate. Rwebitaba is a leading research centre under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), specializing in tea, coffee, bananas, pasture improvement, and agroforestry. Hosting WFD here will showcase how government, through NARO, is driving innovations that directly improve livelihoods. We also deliberately decided as a Ministry to always rotate celebrations among our key installations as a way of raising awareness on the various activities we are involved in.
Our hosts will articulate the various interventions and progress made within the Tooro/Rwenzori sub-region in areas of research, value addition, seed systems, animal feed security, technology demonstrations and training, combating malnutrition and post-harvest handling.
On this day, we shall also be unveiling new crop varieties (Irish Potatoe, millet and banana etc.) for uptake and commercialization by communities and the private sector.
5.Appreciation
As I conclude, allow me appreciate the key stakeholders in organizing this event (MAAIF, NARO, FAO alongside other partners in Development) for moving hand in hand to make this a success. You have our full support and encourage you to spare no effort in making this a memorable and impactful occasion.
6.Conclusion
Lastly, I call upon all Ugandans – farmers, researchers, policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and development partners and most especially, you the media team – to join hands, with renewed commitment and energy, as we work together towards realizing the vision of 'Better Foods and a Better Future' for our beloved nation."
"Let us therefore, make this 45th World Food Day not just a celebration, but a springboard for sustained action that transforms lives and secures our food future."
I thank you and look forward to seeing you all at Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Kyembogo station,
Thank you,

F.K.T