By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Food advocates have called for the promotion of indigenous organic food in Uganda.
The call was made by Josephine Akia Luyimbazi, the country coordinator PELUM Uganda at the launch of National Agroecology Week of Action (AWA) 2024, at Hotel Africana Kampala, on Monday.
“Now is the time for all Ugandans to embrace indigenous food that is free from additives and readily available to all. Agroecology is about fairness through social inclusion and benefit sharing through food security,” Akida stated.
Experts identified challenges affecting agroecology stakeholders as declining productivity, provision of agroecology inputs, lack of incentives to farmers, minimal research, and the big social divide on benefits among others. They expressed concerns about the need to address these challenges.
AWA was launched by PELUM Uganda and the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade to promote sustainable agriculture practices in Uganda, with a strong focus on advancing Uganda’s food systems and supporting agroecological markets, highlight traditional farming practices, and the benefits of organic foods.
According to PELUM Uganda, the AWA week will run from October 21st to 26th, 2024, at People’s Space Hotel Africana.
During this period, the event will host key discussions, exhibitions, and partnerships aimed at addressing critical issues within Uganda’s agricultural landscape. These include; The 6th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium (NAAS), scheduled for 23rd October, The 3rd Agroecological Market Systems Expo (AMASE), taking place on 24th October, and the 14th Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Festival, to be held from 25th to 26th October, 2024. 
These events will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including government policymakers, farmers, researchers, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. Participants will discuss how Uganda can enhance agroecological production and market systems, while also ensuring that supportive policies and institutional frameworks are in place.
The event will be streamed live across several online platforms, including PELUM Uganda’s YouTube, X (Twitter), and Zoom channels.
