Uganda urged to improve roads to tackle rising food insecurity

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Improved access to good roads and food markets, both within and outside village-level Local Councils (LC1), significantly enhances household food security in Uganda, a new study by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) has revealed.

The study, titled "Impact of Road and Market Infrastructure on Household Food Security," shows that households with limited access to roads and markets are more likely to suffer food insecurity.

Dr. Swaibu Mbowa, a senior research fellow at EPRC and principal investigator, presented the findings during the 13th Annual National Forum on Agriculture and Food Security held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Protea Hotel in Kampala.

According to the study, regions with the highest levels of food insecurity based on data from the 2024 Uganda National Population and Housing Census include: Karamoja, Bukedi, Lango, West Nile, Elgon, Acholi, Madi, Bugisu, Sebei, and Busoga.

Other regions, including: Rwenzori, Kigezi, Bunyoro, Kampala, Toro, Buganda, and Ankole, also exceed the national average for food insecurity.

In contrast, data from the Uganda National Household Survey 2019/20 showed that regions with relatively high access to national roads and food markets include:  Buganda (North and South), Busoga, Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole, and Kampala. Regions with poor access include Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Bukedi, Elgon, Kigezi, Teso, and Karamoja.

“There is a strong link between food security and road access,” said Dr. Mbowa, emphasizing that infrastructure development is essential for improving household welfare and combating hunger.

The forum, themed “Connecting Communities: Leveraging Road and Market Infrastructure for Household Food Security in Uganda,” brought together policymakers, researchers, farmers, and civil society to discuss the critical role of infrastructure in food systems.

Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, executive director of EPRC, described roads and market infrastructure as the “vital arteries” of Uganda’s food system.

“Our journey to a hunger-free Uganda begins on the very roads that connect our farms to our dinner tables. To achieve this, we must confront the realities of our roads and markets, learn from evidence, and commit to bold action,” Ssewanyanja said in a speech delivered by Elizabeth Birabwa, EPRC programme manager Information Management & Dissemination Department, Ssewanyana. “

Ssewanyana noted that 44% of households in Uganda are food insecure despite national food surpluses. Poor rural roads and underdeveloped markets contribute to high transportation costs, post-harvest losses, and limited access to markets especially in rural communities.

“Many rural markets lack storage facilities and are poorly managed, limiting smallholder participation and exposing them to exploitation by middlemen,” she said.

“Policy efforts in agriculture, infrastructure and market development are often fragmented across government institutions, limiting their impact.”

Ssewanyana highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a promising framework to decentralize resources and decision-making, especially in strengthening the link between production and markets.

She urged government, community, and private sector collaboration to maintain and take ownership of feeder roads.

Dr. Henry Opolot, the commissioner for agriculture extension services and skills management at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries said that the government is intervening in areas where poor road conditions hinder farmers from accessing markets. However, Opolot clarified that the ministry does not engage in road construction.

“Communities need to be connected with roads, markets, and hope,” Opolot said.

“We need better storage infrastructure to prevent post-harvest losses and promote food safety. Currently, many traders use chemicals to extend shelf life, which compromises food quality. " 

Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan prioritize road and market infrastructure investment to transition the country from an agrarian to a modern economy.

These investments are expected to boost economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and improve household food security by reducing transport costs, expanding access to markets, and increasing productivity.

Yet, food insecurity remains a pressing challenge. The 2024 Census reports that 46% of Ugandan households are food insecure, with 30.7% classified as severely food insecure raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current infrastructure investments.