It’s time to build a strong national food safety system

By Caroline Agonzibwa

President Museveni’s recent warning about the cancer risks linked to groundnuts highlights a critical food safety concern in Uganda.

Groundnuts, maize, and other cereals are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination—toxins produced by moulds that are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Long-term exposure to aflatoxins significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
While the President’s concerns are valid, they point to a broader issue—the absence of a robust national food safety system.

Food safety cannot rely on isolated warnings or reactive measures. It requires a strong legal and institutional framework that clearly defines safety standards, ensures accountability across the food supply chain, and harmonizes the roles of various regulatory agencies to eliminate inefficiencies and conflicting mandates.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne illnesses cause approximately 420,000 deaths annually, with Africa being the most affected, underscoring the urgency of addressing food safety gaps.

Uganda has some food safety related laws, including the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act, and the Public Health Act.

However, these regulations are fragmented and inadequate, leading to enforcement challenges and regulatory overlaps.

The country lacks a single, overarching Food Safety Law. Multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the Ministry of Health, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and the National Drug Authority (NDA), all share responsibility for food safety.

However, their overlapping mandates create inefficiencies, slow enforcement, and allow unsafe food to reach consumers.

To effectively address food safety risks, Uganda must enact a general food law that establishes a National Food Safety Authority to oversee the entire food chain and coordinate regulatory efforts.

Strengthening monitoring systems to prevent contamination, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards, and raising public awareness about best practices are crucial steps in safeguarding public health and improving the country’s food sector.

A centralised authority would eliminate regulatory gaps, improve coordination among agencies, and enhance accountability within the food industry.

Establishing such an institution presents challenges, including financial constraints, bureaucratic resistance, and the need for capacity-building among enforcement agencies.

Successful implementation would require collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including farmers, food processors, exporters, and consumers.

However, the long-term benefits such as enhanced public health, improved food quality, and access to international markets far outweigh the challenges.

Uganda must take urgent action by enacting a comprehensive Food Safety Law, establishing a National Food Safety Authority, strengthening surveillance systems, and promoting public awareness of food safety risks.

Compliance with global food safety standards is essential to improving food quality, increasing market competitiveness, and protecting public health.

As Uganda’s economy grows and food exports increase, international markets will demand higher safety standards. Without decisive action, the country risks public health crises and economic setbacks due to unsafe food.

The government must prioritize food safety by allocating sufficient resources, enforcing stronger regulations, and ensuring strict compliance across all sectors of the food industry.

Museveni’s warning should serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform, ensuring that all Ugandans can trust the safety of the food they consume.

The writer is a Legal and Policy Expert specialising in Food Law with Regusen Consult Ltd.