Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has made a notable effort to enhance food safety standards citywide by organizing a dedicated training session for food handlers and market administrators.
The session, held in the Mayor’s Parlor on January 22, sought to educate food vendors on proper hygiene and safe food management practices while equipping market administrators with the skills needed to enforce food safety regulations effectively.
Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, graced the event and stressed the importance of adhering to legal provisions, such as the Market Act 2023, which outlines the responsibilities of vendors regarding food safety.
He highlighted the significance of strong leadership in ensuring proper market governance and urged market leaders to raise awareness among vendors about the legal requirements for food safety.
“In the markets, always remember that nutrition is essential, and the way we manage food is critical. Ensure your surroundings are clean,” Lukwago said, emphasizing the importance of hygiene in safeguarding public health.
The training was conducted by specialists from Makerere University and the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, with support from the Global Alliance to Improve Nutrition (GAIN).
KCCA’s Executive Secretary for Social Services, Olive Namazzi, reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to prioritizing food hygiene in markets, stating, “Food hygiene in markets is a central focus of our management.”
Participants were educated on best practices for food hygiene, storage, and handling, with a particular emphasis on the principle of “Cook it clean” to guarantee food safety.
This initiative was prompted by findings from a recent study by Makerere University and GAIN, which exposed serious risks linked to reused cooking oil, as well as mishandled milk and fish.
These challenges underscore a shortfall in food safety practices and the ability of market administrators to enforce compliance effectively.
Foodborne illnesses continue to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in urban areas where street food is a vital source of nutrition for many residents. This training aimed to address these issues by equipping market administrators and food handlers with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain safety standards.
Namazzi praised market administrators for their efforts in maintaining order in the markets and encouraged them to continue championing safe food practices. “Your role is crucial in ensuring public health and safety in Kampala,” she remarked.
This initiative aligns with KCCA’s broader mandate to promote public health and ensure food safety throughout the city, as well as the Kampala Capital City Nutrition Action Plan (KCC-NAP) 2023/2024–2029/2030. This comprehensive strategy aims to tackle malnutrition, improve nutritional outcomes, and elevate food safety standards across Kampala.
By building the capacity of market leaders and food vendors, KCCA aspires to mitigate foodborne illnesses and create a safer environment for consumers.
