The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, has announced Uganda’s plans to commemorate the 45th World Food Day on October 16, 2025, under the global theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”
Speaking during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, October 1, Minister Tumwebaze said the national celebrations will be held at Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), Kyembogo Station in Kabarole District, starting at 9:00 a.m.
He said this year’s celebration carries added significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which he commended for its continued partnership with Uganda in transforming the agriculture sector.
Call for Collective Action
Minister Tumwebaze emphasized that the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” is a call for national collaboration across government sectors, private players, academia, civil society and local communities to strengthen Uganda’s agrifood systems.
“In Uganda, this spirit aligns with our traditional value of Bulungi Bwansi, working together for the common good,” he noted.
Ahead of the celebrations, several community activities will be conducted, including tree planting, market clean-ups, establishment of school gardens, and public dialogues with farmers and traders to address food-related challenges.
The Minister stressed that World Food Day should not be treated as a one-day event but a Launchpad for sustained behavioral change, especially in areas of food loss, food waste and equitable distribution.
He urged communities to become “voices of change” and pledged continued dialogues at local levels to ensure accountability and measurable progress by the next World Food Day.
Highlighting agriculture as the backbone of Uganda’s economy, Minister Tumwebaze cited persistent challenges such as low productivity, post-harvest losses, malnutrition, climate change, and limited market access.
25% of children under five remain stunted, he noted, calling for improved access to safe, nutritious and affordable diets.
He called for climate-smart agriculture, drought-tolerant crops and better land management to protect the environment while ensuring food security.
He linked the theme to ongoing national initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Agro-Industrialization agenda under NDP IV.
Why Rwebitaba Was Chosen
The Minister said Rwebitaba ZARDI was strategically selected to showcase agricultural innovations led by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in the areas of tea, coffee, bananas, pasture improvement and agroforestry.
During the event, government will unveil new crop varieties, including Irish potato, millet and banana, for adoption and commercialization.
Minister Tumwebaze thanked NARO, FAO and development partners for organizing the event alongside MAAIF, and called on all Ugandans, farmers, policymakers, researchers, private sector and media, to rally behind the cause.
“Let us make this 45th World Food Day not just a celebration, but a springboard for sustained action that transforms lives and secures our food future,” he concluded.
He urged the public to turn up in large numbers at Rwebitaba ZARDI in Kabarole to mark the national celebrations.
