We are pleased that the factors, which have led to the persistent and sometimes, worsening malnutrition and poor health of our people, have been identified and documented. Malnutrition contributes to poor health, aggravates diseases, and reduces productivity and compounds poverty and its after effects. The factors responsible for malnutrition include, among others, inadequate food intake and disease, food insecurity, poor child-rearing practices, inadequate water supply and poor environmental sanitation, low education and poverty. These are inter-related factors, which call for multi-disciplinary approaches to remove them. Effective intra and inter-sectoral linkages must, therefore, be put in place to promote co-ordination and resource utilization. Government is committed to fulfilling the Constitutional obligation of ensuring food and nutrition security for all Ugandans.

This Food and Nutrition Policy is, therefore, important as it provides the framework for addressing food and nutrition issues in the country. The basis of this policy is contained in the “Uganda Food and Nutrition Background Information” and the “Consultancy Report on Nutrition Policy and Strategy: Opportunities for Programming and Impact” of May 2000. Furthermore, the policy has been produced through the efforts of a large number of people from line ministries and sectors, and through a participatory consultative process at district level. We appreciate the support accorded by the donor community in preparing this policy.

Special thanks go to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank (WB) for their assistance. We also thank the members of the Task Force and other stakeholders who contributed to the preparation of the policy document.