ADJUMANI, March 16, 2025 – A group of trained nutrition champions, consisting of both refugees and members of the host community in Adjumani, have launched a campaign aimed at combating malnutrition and improving water and sanitation conditions.
According to the 2024 Uganda Food Security Report, malnutrition in refugee settlements in Adjumani stands at 7.1 percent. To address this issue, Action Against Hunger, with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, is implementing a multisectoral humanitarian response targeting the most affected districts, including Adjumani and Kiryandongo.
Capacity building for self-reliance
Moses Lukwago, the Action Against Hunger Program Officer for Adjumani, emphasised the impact of diminishing donor support, which has worsened malnutrition in refugee communities.
“We recognised the need to empower local leaders so that when implementing partners eventually withdraw, communities can sustain themselves,” Lukwago explained.
Martine Obulejo, the Refugee Welfare Councilor II of Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, highlighted the challenges refugees are facing due to reductions in food aid.
“Many refugees no longer receive food assistance, yet they lack access to land for farming,” he said.
Advocacy for improved nutrition and sanitation
Through this initiative, the nutrition champions are being trained to advocate for better nutrition and sanitation within their communities.
Richard Edema Draciri, the Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, challenged the group to take the lead in addressing malnutrition.
“The district’s water coverage remains low at 86%, meaning 14% of our population still consumes unsafe water. You are on the ground, and your voices can attract the attention of the government, donors, and partners,” Edema emphasised.
The training covered eight key areas: leadership and management, stakeholder engagement, communication, advocacy, social mobilisation, governance, social accountability, and policy advocacy.
Iren Adrupio Api, the Secretary for Finance and Administration, encouraged the nutrition champions to apply their newly acquired knowledge to mobilise communities for better nutrition.
“You have been selected for a purpose. As focal persons, go out and make a difference,” she urged.
Malnutrition in refugee settlements
From April to September 2024, refugee settlements have shown a higher vulnerability to acute malnutrition compared to host communities. Adjumani, Kampala Urban, Kiryandongo, Rhino camp, Palorinya, and Palabek recorded Global Acute Malnutrition [GAM] prevalence rates ranging from 6.2 percent to 8.3 percent.
In contrast, settlements such as Rwamwanja, Kyaka II, Nakivale, and Bidibidi reported lower GAM rates, ranging from 1.1 percent to 4.0 percent.
With the support of the nutrition champions, communities in Adjumani are now better equipped to advocate for sustainable solutions to the challenges of malnutrition, water, and sanitation.
https://thecooperator.news/childrens-parliament-calls-for-end-to-hunger-malnutrition/
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