Kampala, Uganda — Media houses and journalists have been called upon to strengthen coverage of nutrition-related issues, particularly by highlighting women entrepreneurs leading innovative, food-based solutions to the country’s growing nutrition crisis.

The appeal was made by Joyce Atuhaire, Executive Director of the African Women in Agribusiness Network (AWAN), during a media convening held in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The event, themed “Improving Nutrition through Nutrition-Sensitive Value Chains,” brought together key stakeholders from media, agribusiness, and nutrition sectors.

“Media is a strategic partner in nutrition programming,” Atuhaire said. “We need consistent, compelling coverage of nutrition innovations and the women driving them.”

Uganda’s Growing Nutrition Challenge

Uganda continues to grapple with a “triple burden” of malnutrition — undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising levels of overnutrition.

According to recent data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022/23 and the World Bank:

  • 26% of children under five are stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition
  • 73% of Ugandans cannot afford a healthy diet
  • 60–69% of children and women of reproductive age suffer from at least one micronutrient deficiency
  • 26% of women are overweight or obese, indicating rising overnutrition
  • The country loses UGX 1.8 trillion annually (5.6% of GDP) due to malnutrition
  • An additional UGX 526 billion is spent each year treating related illnesses such as anemia, diarrhea, and respiratory infections

These figures highlight the urgent need for multi-sectoral action, with media playing a central role in awareness and advocacy.

Media as a Key Partner in Solutions

The convening attracted 30 participants, including representatives from television, radio, print media, social media influencers, nutrition-focused enterprises, and development partners.

The meeting focused on three main objectives:

  1. Securing media commitment to increase and sustain coverage of nutrition-sensitive innovations
  2. Showcasing market-ready products from women-led small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
  3. Demonstrating the economic potential within the nutrition sector to attract investment and entrepreneurship

Activities included a mini-exhibition that allowed journalists to interact with MSMEs, product tastings, media pitch sessions, and the launch of a public hashtag campaign aimed at amplifying nutrition awareness.

Women Driving Nutrition Innovation

Through its Women in Nutrition Sensitive Value Chains (WiNS) initiative, AWAN is currently supporting 200 women-owned MSMEs to improve the production and distribution of safe, nutritious foods across Uganda.

Organizers emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is critical not only for improving nutrition outcomes but also for boosting household incomes and strengthening local food systems.

A Call to Action

Stakeholders at the convening underscored the need for sustained collaboration between media and the nutrition sector. By telling impactful stories, highlighting innovations, and educating the public, the media can play a transformative role in addressing Uganda’s nutrition crisis.

As Atuhaire noted, “When the media amplifies these stories, it doesn’t just inform—it inspires action.”