Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s paradox of food abundance and poor nutrition has come into sharp focus as stakeholders unveiled the Ebyendiisa Expo 2026, a major national platform aimed at transforming how Ugandans eat and engage with food systems.
The two-day Expo, organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will run from April 30 to May 1 at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala. The event is a free invite and open to the general public.
Addressing journalists at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala on Monday, GAIN Uganda Country Director Ms Damali Ssali said Uganda’s challenge is no longer food production, but poor dietary choices.
“Uganda is often described as a food basket. We produce a wide variety of foods. Yet, despite this abundance, many Ugandans are not eating well. Diets remain heavily carbohydrate-based. While carbohydrates are important, they need to be balanced with other foods such as vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious options,” Ssali said.
She stressed that the country’s problem goes beyond production to consumption patterns. “The real issue in Uganda is not just food availability, it is what people eat and how they make their food choices. That is why this Expo is designed to bring nutrition to life, to move beyond awareness and talk, and into practical, demonstrable action.”
The Expo, she said, has already attracted about 130 exhibitors, with over 50% being SMEs and food processors. Notably, 70% of participating businesses are from outside Kampala, reflecting nationwide engagement in reshaping Uganda’s food systems.
Nutrition Crisis: What figures say
The Expo comes at a time when Uganda continues to face a significant malnutrition burden, particularly among children. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS 2022), about 26% of children under five are stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
Additionally, 4% are wasted, while micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin A deficiency, remain widespread. Health experts warn that poor feeding practices, limited dietary diversity, and over-reliance on carbohydrate-heavy meals are key drivers of these trends.
Speaking at the same presser, Ministry of Health Spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, noted that the Expo directly responds to these challenges by providing practical nutrition knowledge.
“This Expo is moving beyond awareness to practical demonstration. People will learn what constitutes a balanced diet and how to prepare it, especially for children and mothers,” he said.
Ayinebyoona added that poor nutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers continues to affect child development, underscoring the urgency of interventions that combine education with access to nutritious foods.
The Ebyendiisa Expo 2026 will feature live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, exhibitions, and networking opportunities aimed at linking farmers, food processors, and consumers.
Ms Ssali said nearly 60% of exhibitors are seeking to promote their products, while others aim to build partnerships and expand market access, highlighting the private sector’s growing role in nutrition.
Participants will also benefit from interactive sessions led by prominent Ugandans, alongside entertainment performances, reinforcing the message that healthy eating can be practical and enjoyable.
The Expo will also strengthen linkages between agriculture and nutrition outcomes. “Farmers will learn how to connect with businesses so that nutritious food reaches households. This is critical in addressing undernutrition,” she noted.
Aligning with National Development Priorities
Organizers say the Expo aligns with Uganda’s national frameworks, including the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan and the Human Capital Development Programme, both of which prioritize improved nutrition as a driver of economic growth.
By integrating private sector innovation, consumer education, and policy alignment, the Expo is expected to increase demand for nutritious foods, improve dietary habits, and strengthen Uganda’s food systems.
Ssali reiterated that the initiative is part of a long-term strategy. “This is not a one-off event. It is part of a broader movement to transform Uganda’s food systems and improve diets nationwide,” she said.
DailyExpress understands that celebrated media personalities, Robina Mulerwa Mbabazi, commonly known as Bina Baibe and Hajji Abby Mukiibi, will moderate at the expo, with entertainment and musical performances from Spice Diana, among others.
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