The government of Uganda has pledged its support to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in its campaign to enhance dietary diversity by increasing vegetable consumption, particularly among low-income communities.

This commitment was announced by Robert Kasule Sebunya, Head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, during the launch of the “Vegetables for All” media campaign in Kampala.

The initiative, branded as Maama Owakabi (Super Moms), aims to encourage healthier eating habits among Ugandans. 

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition has today launched the media campaign dubbed the “Vegetables for All” project, aimed at improving dietary diversity through increasing the consumption of vegetables, particularly among low-income earners. The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society, and the private sector, among others.

Enock Musinguzi, Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), told journalists that the Maama Owakabi (Super Moms) campaign is focused on driving demand and empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and motivation to incorporate more vegetables into family meals.

Robert Kasule Sebunya, Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with civil society organizations to ensure that Ugandans adopt and embrace vegetable consumption.

He encouraged all the stakeholders, especially those who feed many people, to include vegetables in their diet while preparing meals.

Alex Bambona, Assistant Commissioner for Food and Safety Security in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, highlighted the key benefits of consuming vegetables.

Bambona further noted that the low level of vegetable consumption in Uganda is a key reason why the campaign is both timely and necessary.

Patrick Mugisha, LC5 Chairman of Mityana District, commended the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition for its efforts in promoting vegetable consumption, noting that the initiative will strengthen the country’s ability to prevent and combat various diseases.

In Uganda, the average person consumes only 45 grams of vegetables per day, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 200 grams. This low intake of fruits and vegetables is linked to poor health outcomes and a higher risk of non-communicable diseases.

The “Vegetables for All” media campaign will be rolled out in eight districts across Central and Western Uganda, namely Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono, Mityana, Kayunga, Jinja, and Mbale.