Uganda joined the world in commemorating World Food Day, with national celebrations held this year in Kabarole District.

The central message: farmers must boost food production without harming the environment.

Presiding over the event, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze stressed the urgent need to protect wetlands and other fragile ecosystems to safeguard long-term food security.

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"We must increase food production, yes, but we cannot do this at the expense of our environment. Encroaching on wetlands and degrading ecosystems will only compromise our future food systems," Minister Tumwebaze said.

He pledged increased government support to local authorities to facilitate agricultural development at the grassroots level.

"The ministry is committed to providing more resources -- including vehicles and extension support -- to districts to help scale up food production sustainably," Tumwebaze added.

Despite the celebratory mood, sobering statistics highlighted the challenges ahead. Nearly 29% of Ugandan children under five are stunted, a direct result of persistent malnutrition.

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Rutsimba, Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the South-West Region, called the figures alarming.

"We cannot ignore the reality. Nearly one in three children under five are stunted due to poor nutrition. This calls for urgent and coordinated action," Rutsimba said.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also stressed the need for collaboration across sectors.

"Food security is not a task for one sector alone. We need robust partnerships that bring everyone on board -- from policymakers to farmers to consumers," said Dr Willington Bessong, FAO's country team lead.

This year's World Food Day theme -- better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life -- served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of food systems, health, and environmental sustainability.