UCCO-SUN organises a full week of multi-sector engagement in Uganda for the Global Week of Action

In May this year, the Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Scaling Up Nutrition (UCCO-SUN) organised a Global Week of Action to show commitment, political will, partnership and involvement of key stakeholders from government to communities. Read below for a snap shot of the activities led by UCCO-SUN or read the report for further detail.

Wednesday 30 April 2014

• During a media excursion in the days preceeding the Global Week of Action, 15 journalists were given first-hand exposure to nutrition problems relating to early childhood development at the Mwana Mugimu nutrition unit in Mulago and its outreach areas.  Interviews with mothers, their malnourished children and health workers were later broadcasted through television and radio.

Monday 5 May 2014

• A Global Week of Action inauguration event was held in Kampala and attracted around 500 guests that included representatives from government ministries, parliament, media, development partners, local governments and communities, civil society and business. The event also announced the formation of an alliance between CSOs and cultural leaders to promote scaling up of nutrition activities.
• A panel discussion on nutrition and early childhood development comprised representatives from multiple stakeholder groups including the Ministry of Health, Kyamboga University, parliament and civil society. This panel attracted over 100 participants. Key messages included the need for nutrition funding, recognition of nutrition as a human right and the contribution of nutrition to national development.

Tuesday 6 May 2014

• A high level consultative meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Food and Nutrition Security Policy (FNSP) was held to ensure that the policy development process was inclusive and reflective of Ugandan citizens’ views and aspirations on food and nutrition. Seventy-seven participants drawn from civil society, business, media, UN Agencies and academia discussed key issues to help inform the draft policy document.

Wednesday 7 May 2014

• A panel comprised of representatives from the government, the Uganda National Teachers Union, Feed the Children and parliament discussed the role of CSO’s in promoting the School Feeding Program in Uganda. With over 100 participants, the panel discussed implications of policy and legal frameworks on school programmes and stressed the importance of accountability and transparency for all involved.

Thursday 8 May 2014

• Over 600 guests attended the Global Week of Action closing ceremony which was graced by speeches that reflected on the weeklong activities that transpired under the following themes; Maternal and child health, Education system, Nutrition and early childhood development Child Protection and Scaling Up Nutrition. Key guests included; the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament Representative Senabulya Namabide Sylvia, Ayo Stella Odong representing CSOs and Mondo Kyateka from the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development.