Uganda set to host second Food and Security Symposium and Expo

This symposium, titled "Responding to Climate Change Impacts on Food Security in the East African Region," will be place from the 19th to the 21st of October at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Nakawa Campus.

Eng Stephen Lwalanda, a food security expert, told the press at MUBS Nakawa on Friday that man has done a lot to make the planet an uncomfortable place for other living species via his different actions.

“In agriculture we use dangerous chemicals in spraying pests and diseases. We end up eating these contaminated foods i.e. Vegetables and fruits which has led to an increase in intestinal cancers as well as other stomach complications.”

He also challenged all Ugandans to work together to restore the ecosystem because if this is not done soon enough, we may end up without food in the future owing to drought.

On behalf of the Buganda Kingdom, Minister Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo stated a commitment to continue working with partners to solve the issue of climate change.

"Our community mobilisation programmes, such as 'Bulungi bwansi,' have been tested over centuries and proven to be effective in encouraging many people to participate in environmental protection activities. As a result, we urge everyone to join us in the common cause of combating climate change and guaranteeing food security."

Maria Nantongo , Director of Climate Finance and Sustainability Center MUBS, on behalf of Prof Moses Muhwezi , Principal MUBS , welcomed the decision of making them the host of this expo as he promised to provide all the necessary support to the organizers to ensure that the event turns out successfully.

“We need to start training business leaders, managers , Administrators who understand the issue of sustainability.”

The executive director Climate Change Action East Africa (CCAEA), Tom Okurut, revealed that the symposium will be of great importance to participants like networking , building new markets for their products, learning about new climate relevant technologies and accessing a bigger communication platform.

“Collective action from individuals, community , national and international actor is what is required to respond to this existential threat of climate change. If the current trends are not prepared for or responded adequately as advised, scientists , the heat waves, floods and abnormal weather events shall certainly disrupt or collapse food systems and our survival on earth will be threatened.”

The partners for this year’s expo and symposium include: The Climate Action Network (CAN-U), Crown Beverages, International University of East Africa, Caritas , Oxfam among others