Gulu City | Uganda has taken a significant step toward promoting healthier diets and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with the Ministry of Health adopting a Nutrient Profiling Model to guide the implementation of Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FoPWL) on packaged processed foods.
Under the initiative, packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats will be required to display clear warning labels on the front of their packaging, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and encouraging healthier eating habits.
The announcement was made during the inaugural Food Policy Engagement Series Dialogue, held under the theme “Understanding the Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FoPWL): The Foundation.”
The dialogue brought together policymakers, civil society organisations, health advocates, and food policy experts to discuss the role of food labelling in addressing Uganda’s growing burden of diet-related diseases.
Participants noted that the adoption of the Nutrient Profiling Model provides a scientific basis for identifying foods that require warning labels, making it a critical component of Uganda’s broader strategy to reduce the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable diseases.
The dialogue also marked the official launch of the Uganda National Food Policy Coalition, a multi-stakeholder platform established to advocate for evidence-based food policies and healthier food environments across the country.
The coalition brings together key organisations, including CONSENT Uganda, FIAN Uganda, SEATINI Uganda, Slow Food Uganda, and the NCD Alliance, with a shared goal of supporting policies that protect public health and improve nutrition outcomes.
Members of the coalition pledged to work closely with government institutions, development partners, researchers, and communities to promote food systems that prioritise consumer health while strengthening accountability within the food industry.
Health advocates at the dialogue emphasised that clear front-of-pack warning labels have been successfully implemented in several countries, helping consumers quickly identify products with excessive amounts of nutrients linked to non-communicable diseases.
They argued that such labels not only influence healthier consumer choices but also encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products by reducing harmful ingredients.
Uganda continues to face a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, with unhealthy diets identified as one of the leading risk factors.
Public health experts say improving access to accurate nutritional information is essential in reversing this trend and reducing preventable illnesses.
The newly launched Food Policy Coalition says it will continue engaging policymakers and the public to accelerate the adoption and implementation of food policies that safeguard the health of all Ugandans.
The dialogue concluded with renewed calls for collaborative action to ensure that consumers are empowered with transparent nutritional information and that healthier food choices become easier and more accessible nationwide.
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