Training of Civil Society Organizations Strengthens Human Rights-Based Advocacy for Healthier Diets

Overweight and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to 4 million deaths globally, primarily due to unhealthy diets high in fats, sugar, and salt. In Uganda, NCDs account for 33% of all deaths, according to the World Health Organization’s 2018 NCD Country Profile.

The food industry, a major producer of unhealthy products, heavily targets children through three key markets: the primary market (children as consumers), the parental market (via “pester power” or “kid-fluence”), and the future market (lifelong brand loyalty). Despite this, there is limited awareness among government bodies, non-state actors, and the public about how poor diets contribute to premature deaths.

Currently, the food and beverage industry operates with minimal restrictions, allowing aggressive marketing of unhealthy products. The World Health Organization (2006) warns that such advertisements promote foods high in fats, sugar, and salt—components that should be limited in a healthy diet.

To address this gap, the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) trained 24 civil society organizations (CSOs) working in health, human rights, agriculture, consumer protection, and trade on regulatory and fiscal measures for promoting healthy diets. The training employed a human rights-based approach and social accountability mechanisms to empower participants with legal, reporting, and advocacy skills.

Key Training Components

• Human Rights-Based Advocacy: Strategies for advancing health and safety rights through nutrition labeling, physical activity promotion, marketing restrictions, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes.
• Social Accountability: Tools for advocacy and mobilization to hold policymakers and industry players accountable.

Results and Impact

1. Enhanced Capacity: Participants’ knowledge increased from 63% to 85%, based on pre- and post-training assessments, with a 91% satisfaction rate in training methodology.
2. Policy Engagement: Trained CSOs, including the Food Rights Alliance and Southern and Eastern Africa Trade and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI), have actively participated in policy dialogues, media discussions, and public awareness campaigns.
3. Increased Awareness: Communities and CSOs are now better informed about legal and policy strategies to advocate for healthier diets.

This initiative marks a critical step toward strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting fiscal measures that support healthier dietary choices in Uganda. By empowering civil society, the program aims to curb the rising burden of diet-related NCDs and safeguard public health.