On Saturday, 19th October 2024, YPARD Uganda celebrated World Food Day under the theme "Celebrating the Hand that Feeds Us". This event was held in Kayunga District at Nakivubo C/U Primary School and it highlighted the critical role that farmers play in ensuring Uganda's food security and sustainability.
The day began with a march through Kayunga Town, led by a brass band and Agricultural Police, drawing over 400 participants. Participants held placards sensitizing the community about the World Food Day, with calls to action in support of agriculture and youth engagement in food systems. Attendees included government officials, farmers, politicians, teachers, students, and pupils from more than five primary schools and a secondary school. The march underscored the importance of raising awareness about food security and the contributions of farmers.
The event continued at Nakivubo C/U Primary School, where a symposium was held alongside an agricultural exhibition. The symposium featured a keynote address by Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko, former Minister of Agriculture and Chairperson of Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, who served as the chief guest. In her address, she called for greater youth participation in agribusiness, emphasizing that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of the youth and urging them to seize opportunities and work towards their dreams.
A dialogue on "The Role of Youth in Sustainable Agriculture" featured young students, YPARD-Uganda fellows, and farmers, who discussed how youth can drive the future of sustainable farming in Uganda. The concurrent agricultural exhibition showcased farming products, providing valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among farmers, students, and agricultural professionals.
The event also included an "agritainment" session, featuring performances by YPARD Uganda members, poetry, and music by the pupils of Nakivubo C/U Primary School, as well as performances from other participating institutions.
The event was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Kichini Gardens Initiative, represented by Ms. Nagudi Irene and Kenneth Tanga, Nakivubo C/U Primary School, Teach for Uganda, The Roddenberry Foundation, and many other partners.
Special thanks go to YPARD Uganda Country Representatives Ajuna Tadeo and Daniel Chavo Kisekka, and all members and affiliates of the YPARD Uganda chapter, whose hard work and commitment made the day possible.
World Food Day 2024 served as a reminder of the collective effort required to achieve food security and sustainability, with youth and farmers at the heart of this important mission.
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