Health 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tooro Kingdom Launches Ambitious Plan to Combat Child Stunting
Tooro Kingdom is implementing a comprehensive five-year action plan to tackle alarming rates of child malnutrition and stunting, partnering with development organizations and local governments. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/child-stunting-crisis-forces-tooro-to-step-up-malnutrition-fight-5475036
Tooro Kingdom is rolling out a crucial five-year food and nutrition action plan (2026-2030) to combat a severe child malnutrition crisis impacting the region. The initiative targets homes, schools, and communities, aiming to address persistently high rates of stunting among children under five years old. This plan is a direct response to figures revealing that Tooro Sub-region has the third-highest child stunting rate in Uganda, at 38.7%, significantly exceeding the national average of 26%.
The sub-region also faces the second-highest rate of severe stunting in the country. Despite being a major food producer, many households prioritize selling crops over ensuring sufficient food for family consumption. This paradox, coupled with limited dietary diversity and poor parenting practices, contributes to the crisis.
Tooro’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ms. Harriet Nyakake, emphasized the need for better household food planning and the promotion of indigenous, nutrient-rich foods. The kingdom plans to intensify sensitization campaigns on nutrition and child-feeding practices, advocating against child marriage and supporting teenage mothers. The existing cultural administrative structure will be leveraged for monitoring the plan’s implementation.
Partnerships are key to the plan’s success, with the CASCADE project implemented by CARE International in Uganda and local governments playing vital roles. Efforts will include enhancing school feeding programs and promoting nutritious indigenous crops through demonstration gardens and seed banks.
Consultants have highlighted that the crisis leads to poor cognitive development, lower academic performance, and increased child mortality. The action plan seeks to integrate cultural leadership and align district nutrition strategies into a coordinated regional framework to improve nutrition outcomes and food systems. Challenges like climate change, post-harvest losses, and a shift towards cash crops are also being addressed.