The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has alleged that two million Ugandan children are currently malnourished, describing the crisis as a moral failure that threatens the country’s long-term future and requires immediate policy attention.

Addressing journalists during a press conference on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, at Uganda House, the UPC President, Jimmy Akena said the 26% stunting rate among children under five carries lifelong consequences, including poor cognitive development, reduced educational performance, and a higher risk of chronic illness.

“According to World Health Organization, stunting has a lifelong consequence. Children who are stunted are more likely to experience failure to reach their physical potential,” Akena said.

He noted that approximately 18 million Ugandan children have suffered malnutrition since 1989, with 16 million still alive today.

Akena criticised what he described as political distractions and emphasized that Uganda’s future depends on the wellbeing of its children.

He addressed recent public commentary surrounding a cabinet position offered by President Museveni, confirming he declined it after prayerful consideration and instead recommended his wife, whom the President accepted.

“I prayed, I consulted, I prayed. And I went back to him and I said, sorry, Mr. President, I cannot take this position. But I think I can give you somebody who can serve,” Akena said.

He defended UPC’s historical policy record, including the introduction of the market economy in 1981 and early health plans that achieved strong bed-per-capita ratios.

Akena challenged critics to engage in meaningful debate on issues such as nutrition, exports, and institutional integrity rather than personal attacks.

The UPC leader urged a shift towards people-centred policies that prioritise feeding and educating Ugandan children over narrow economic or political interests.