An Open Letter to the Ministry: Calls for Stronger Nutrition Measures in School Reopening Guidelines

By the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT)

KAMPALA— The Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) has commended the Ugandan government for its swift and decisive actions in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in protecting children through school closures and lockdown measures. However, as schools prepare to reopen on October 20 for candidate classes and final-year tertiary students, CEFROHT has raised critical concerns over the omission of food and nutrition in the Ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

In an open letter addressed to the Honorable Minister, the organization emphasized that while social distancing and mask-wearing remain vital, strong immunity—bolstered by proper nutrition—is the first line of defense against the virus. The government has already endorsed COVID-19 dietary guidelines, yet these have not been integrated into the school reopening framework.

Immunity-Boosting Foods: A Missing Link in School SOPs

Scientific evidence indicates that a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals significantly enhances the body’s resilience against respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Key nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, D, E, and zinc—found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—can reduce infection risks and severity. Despite this, the current SOPs for schools lack explicit provisions ensuring children receive these immunity-boosting foods.

CEFROHT’s letter highlights Uganda’s obligations under international and regional treaties, as well as the Constitution and Children’s Act, which safeguard children’s rights to health, safe food, and protection from inhuman treatment. Failing to address nutrition in schools, the organization argues, could lead to legal challenges given the foreseeable risks to children’s well-being.

Proposed Measures for Safer School Reopenings

To mitigate these risks, CEFROHT has urged the Ministry to:

1. Incorporate nutrition into COVID-19 SOPs, mandating schools to provide immunity-boosting meals.
2. Enforce the Presidential Dietary Guidelines, ensuring all schools adhere to healthy diet and physical activity standards.
3. Ban junk food and sugary beverages in schools, eliminating products that compromise children’s health.

The letter, copied to the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, calls for urgent action before schools resume.

“As the country battles the pandemic, we must prioritize our children’s health,” CEFROHT stated. “Good nutrition is not just a recommendation—it is a vital shield against COVID-19.”

For God and My Country

Yours sincerely,
For Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT)

Cc: Office of the Prime Minister
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
Ministry of Health
Ministry of ICT and National Guidance