Kampala’s fat and the hungry

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), stunting is caused by three factors; malnutrition, poor sanitation; including lack of latrines, and lack of social services, including medical facilities.

A survey by Sauti za Wananchi or Voices of the Citizens conducted between October and December last year indicated that poverty and food insecurity remain the main problems faced by households in the country.

The report highlighted that seven people out of 10 skip a meal because of lack of food, 69 per cent said that their households ran out of food, 67 per cent were hungry but had nothing to eat while 85 per cent were worried about running out of food.

The National Demographic and Health Survey 2016 found that rates of chronic malnutrition or stunted growth among children aged under five in Kampala district rose from13.5 percent in 2011 to 18 percent in 2016.

Statistics from the National Zero Hunger Strategic Review 2017 also found evidence of food insecurity and rising levels of malnutrition in Kampala city. It noted that 21 percent of Ugandans lived in urban areas in 2014, up from 12 percent in 2002.

The growing slums, overwhelmed city health centers and schools, uncoordinated housing facilities, heavy traffic jam, and unemployment are a reality of Kampala’s swelling population.

But Musisi also blames the fast rising population on the large influx of refugees and migrants who come into Kampala every day.

She said, “On record we have over 100,000 refugees but they could be more because we receive them in schools and hospitals”.

Musisi said KCCA is grappling with the malnutrition challenge through facilities like its Kyanja Agricultural Resource Centre.

The center sits on 31 acres of land with over five projects; including poultry, piggery, modernised fish ponds, and vegetables; including tomato, sweet pepper and sukumawiki all grown in green houses.

The goal is to complete the food value chain to include preservation, processing, and retention.

“It’s not enough to only grow food but how to arrive at a sustainable food solution for our people,” said Musisi.