The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in a significant step to improve food safety practices across the city has called on food vendors and handlers to adopt the sustainable methods to ensure public health.
During a specialized training session for food handlers in the markets, KCCA’s Executive Secretary for Social Services, Olive Namazzi, stressed the importance of proper hygiene and safe food handling practices.
The training, held at the Mayor’s Parlor, aimed to equip food vendors and market masters with the necessary skills to enforce food safety standards effectively.
Namazzi reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to prioritizing food hygiene in markets, emphasizing that ensuring food safety is a key priority for the authority.
The event also featured remarks from the Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, who highlighted the significance of complying with legal frameworks such as the Market Act 2023.
He urged market leaders to take an active role in educating vendors on food safety requirements, stressing that food handling practices directly impact nutrition and public health.
“When you are in the markets, remember that nutrition is key, and the way we handle food is very important. Keep your places clean,” Lukwago emphasized.
The training was facilitated by experts from Makerere University and the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, with support from the Global Alliance to Improve Nutrition (GAIN). Participants were educated on best practices for food hygiene, storage, and handling, including the adoption of the “Cook it Clean” principle to ensure safe food consumption.
The initiative was launched in response to recent findings from a study conducted by Makerere University and GAIN, which identified significant risks associated with the reuse of cooking oil and the improper handling of milk and fish. These practices highlight the gaps in food safety protocols and the need for improved enforcement by market masters.
Foodborne illnesses remain a significant public health concern, especially in urban areas like Kampala where street food is a major source of nutrition. The training aimed to empower market masters and food vendors with the knowledge and tools to improve food safety standards, reduce health risks, and foster a safer environment for consumers.
Namazzi acknowledged the efforts of market masters in maintaining order and cleanliness within the markets and encouraged them to continue advocating for safe food handling practices. “Your work is critical to ensuring public health and safety in Kampala,” she noted.
The initiative is part of KCCA’s broader efforts to uphold public health and support the Kampala Capital City Nutrition Action Plan (KCC-NAP) 2023/2024–2029/2030, which addresses malnutrition, promotes better nutritional outcomes, and strengthens food safety measures throughout the city. Through this comprehensive approach, KCCA aims to improve food safety, reduce foodborne illnesses, and ensure healthier eating habits for the people of Kampala.
