World Vision Uganda, Joining Forces Coalition Host National Children’s Parliament To Tackle Child Hunger And Malnutrition

By Gad Masereka

On July 26, 2024, the Uganda Parliament Conference Hall buzzed with vibrant discussions and heartfelt speeches as World Vision Uganda, in partnership with the Joining Forces Coalition, hosted the National Children’s Parliament. This pivotal event aimed to create a platform that would provide ample opportunities to address the pressing issues of hunger, malnutrition, and their profound effects on children.

Paul Mwirichia, Director Response and Acting National Director of World Vision Uganda, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the importance of children having forums to participate in matters concerning their well-being and livelihood. “There is no better voice than the voice of children articulated by themselves,” Mwirichia declared. “The National Children’s Parliament is therefore an extended opportunity for children to harness and engage with key decision-makers in shedding light on issues that affect them beyond the informal spaces of engagement. In line with our mandate to ensure life in all its fullness for the most vulnerable children, World Vision continues to facilitate children with programs and initiatives that champion progress and better living, and today’s children’s parliament is one of them.”

The initiative aims to spotlight critical issues such as the provision of consistent school meals for children, malnutrition, and child hunger, which have persistently affected today’s youth. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda’s fertile agricultural land has the capacity to feed 200 million people. Remarkably, 80% of Uganda’s land is arable, yet only 35% is currently under cultivation. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for effective utilization of the country’s agricultural potential to combat child hunger and malnutrition.

“World Vision recently embarked on a campaign dubbed ‘ENOUGH’ with a holistic aim of ending child hunger in Uganda and across the continent,” Mwirichia continued. “The National Children’s Parliament is therefore an extended platform where all stakeholders can join hands, listen to the views of the children, and together table the best way forward in impacting children’s lives positively for today and the generations to come. Through the ENOUGH drive, we aim at impacting over 5 million people across our areas of operation.”

Adding to Mwirichia’s insights, Justus Rugambwa, Co-ordinator of the Joining Forces Coalition, expressed agreement on the necessity of involving children in all activities and matters that impact them. “At Joining Forces Coalition, we aim at securing the rights of children by supporting children’s safe and meaningful participation at local, national, regional, and global levels. As depicted today, enforcing the right of children to be heard is a reality that we appreciate and believe will promote collective child participation, involvement in issues that affect them, and influence key decisions that will promote improved children well-being in the long run,” Rugambwa concluded.

The National Children’s Parliament targeted key government officials, legislators, representatives from various NGOs, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and the public. This diverse assembly underscored the collaborative effort required to address the multifaceted issues of child hunger and malnutrition.

Throughout the event, children voiced their concerns and aspirations, engaging directly with policymakers and stakeholders. Their discussions highlighted the urgent need for consistent school meal programs, improved agricultural practices, and community involvement in combating malnutrition. The children’s testimonies were not only heartfelt but also provided valuable insights into the everyday challenges they face, reinforcing the importance of such platforms in driving meaningful change.

The ENOUGH campaign, spearheaded by World Vision, is a testament to the organization’s commitment to ending child hunger. By leveraging Uganda’s agricultural potential and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the campaign seeks to create sustainable solutions that will benefit millions of children. The National Children’s Parliament serves as a crucial step in this journey, providing a space for children to express their views and contribute to the development of policies that directly affect their lives.

In conclusion, the National Children’s Parliament, hosted by World Vision Uganda in partnership with the Joining Forces Coalition, marked a significant milestone in the fight against child hunger and malnutrition. By empowering children to voice their concerns and actively participate in decision-making processes, this initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future for Uganda’s children. As the discussions and initiatives from this event unfold, they will undoubtedly inspire continued efforts and collaboration to ensure that every child in Uganda can lead a healthy, fulfilling life.