Implementation Of Children's Right To Food In Uganda: A Case Stljdy Of Mbale District

ABSTRACT

This research set out to examine challenges facing implementation of childrcn·s

right to food in Uganda. with Mbale as the case study. The research analyzed the

legal basis for children·s right to ltmd both at Municipal and international level.

gender roles. control over linancial and physical resources and levels or decision

making in the household and the c!Tcct on fullillmcn1 or child rights.

' '

Data was collected from 116 respondents using both qualitati,'C and quantitative

methods. This was complimented by data from secondary sources. / multi-stage

sampling technique was used in sample selection. The lindings of the study

revealed that culture and poverty greatly inlluence fullillment or the child·s

rights to food.

ltwcstigations into the !'ceding methods or children and child survival rights

re1eal that \omen spent most or their time on prmlucti1c roles and dnmcstic

chores with hardly any ample time lell to prepare gnod quality meals on time for

their children. Infants whose mothers arc caught up with multiple gender roles

,ire introduced to supplements before the age or six months. Findings also reveal

that a child·s right to proper !'ceding and nutrition is inllucnccd by who controls

resources in the household. Men as controllers oC the means 01· production and

incomes make trade-orls between acquiring enough rood or adequate quality

and meeting non-food costs. Sick children arc hardly gi1cn a special nutritious

meal unless they h,l'C railed to cat what is prcn idcd as rrnnily dishes.

The study also 1-c,caled that the high prevalence 01· l llV//lDS in Bugisu Sub

region has Cundamcntally undermined the implemcntatilln or childrcn·s right tu

ltlod. / number or orphaned children arc stunted as a result oC poor reeding

resulting from their precarious status.

Considering the complex nature of poverty in the sub region under study as

indicated in the findings. the researcher recommends a holistic approach that

would require the involvement or all stakeholders including children as social

actors. Specifically. the government and other stakeholders should: Increase

public sensitization. provision of information and training for both adults and

children on child rights to liiod: puhlici/.c and encourage debate on the l IN

committec·s concluding obsenations ,m the report on implementation or the

CRC: Ensure systematic monitoring. evaluation and documentation of examples

of effective programmes addressing gender issues and child rights: and conduct

a child focused budget analysis in order to identify the proportion or national

budgets devoted to rullilling child food rights.

Other recommendations made include. improvement of access to quality

healthcare scn·iccs li1r rnral areas: Invest in labour sm ing technologies to enable

wolllcn have alllple time tu care ltir their children: prm·ide education support

that include better access to vocational skills. leisure and play facilities for

children while at school and subsidize ·other· (non f"ce) school costs li11· the poor

l~1milies.: design gemkr sensitive policies that ,,ill allll\ pregnant girls to

remain in school and complete their education as well as address the greater

burden or care that falls on them. olcn resulting in girls dropping out or school.

and the denial or their rights.

Others arc. rcinfot-ce the capacity or fumilies and comnrnnities to provide

protection and c;1re and de, clop systems that ,,ill strengthen lllonitoring oi"the

status 01· the most , ulncrablc childn:n and in order to prevent exploitation and

abuse: Fully invoh-c children in decisions and actions that affect their lives:

Empower children economically. through ltm11ation or incolllc generating

projects. availing employment oppmtunitics to them to earn income especially those that arc above.