Local leaders in Kyenjojo District have completed a three-day orientation on promoting nutrition interventions through the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The training, held from August 25th to 27th, 2025 at Tropical Hotel, Kyenjojo, brought together LC III Chairpersons, Sub-county Chiefs, Town Clerks, Community Development Officers, Parish Chiefs, and Town Agents from selected areas of the district.

Organized by the Ministry of Local Government with support from the Food Rights Alliance (FRA), the orientation focused on a simplified handbook developed to guide the integration of nutrition into PDM activities at parish level. The handbook provides practical steps for leaders to ensure that nutrition-sensitive interventions are mainstreamed in development programs.

While opening the workshop, representing the Permanent secretary, Mr. Galiwango Sam, the Assistant Commissioner and Nutrition Focal person at the Ministry of Local Government, emphasized that in alignment with the Second Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP II), the Ministry of Local Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for scaling up nutrition interventions, especially at the local government level. The PDM is a crucial pillar in this mission, serving as a key framework to expand food security and nutrition efforts across our beloved country. “This handbook is not just a document—it is a blueprint. It provides a clear framework for integrating nutrition interventions within the PDM’s seven pillars. It helps us identify, map, and emphasize the essential actions needed to address hunger and malnutrition at the parish level. By utilizing this handbook, we ensure that multi-sectoral nutrition services—delivered by both government and non-state actors—are better coordinated and harmonized”, he remarked.

Mr. Galiwango Sam, representing the PS at the Workshop

Speaking during the training, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Yiga Martin Paul, emphasized the importance of nutrition in driving household productivity and community health. “Nutrition is central to improving livelihoods. By embedding it within the Parish Development Model, leaders are better positioned to support families not only to increase income but also to live healthier lives,” he said.

The Deputy CAO, Mr. Yiga Martin Paul, addresses partcipants in the training

The District Planner, and District Nutrition focal person Mrs. Immaculate Atuhurra, highlighted the importance of mainstreaming nutrition in all development plans. “We cannot talk about sustainable development without addressing nutrition. This training has shown us how to link nutrition with planning and budgeting all the way from parish level, which is the future of effective service delivery. Our communities are ready for change, but they need guidance. With the PDM structures and the skills gained from this orientation, leaders now have the responsibility to ensure nutrition is not left behind in local government programs” she said.

The district Planner, Mrs. Atuhurra Immaculate at the training.

TheDistrict Nutritionist, Mr. Raymond Nyabongo, applauded the orientation, saying it was a critical step in addressing malnutrition at household level. “Kyenjojo District still faces cases of stunting and undernutrition, especially among children under five. By equipping parish-level leaders with nutrition knowledge, we are empowering them to make informed decisions that can transform household health,” he remarked.

Raymond Nyabongo, the District Nutritionist guides in the training

Participants engaged in discussions on how PDM structures can be used to strengthen food security, reduce malnutrition, and promote sustainable community development. They also shared experiences on the challenges faced in their parishes and proposed solutions tailored to their local contexts.

Participants welcomed the training, describing it as timely and eye-opening, and re hopeful that the knowledge gained will translate into better nutrition-sensitive planning and interventions across parishes.

Mr. Ndyanabo Richard, LC III Chairperson for Kihuura Sub-county, noted that many households often focus on income generation while neglecting diet quality. “This training has shown us how to strike a balance. We must encourage families to grow food that not only earns money but also nourishes their children,” she said.

Ms. Kiiza Alice, a Parish Chief from Katooke sub County, added that the handbook will serve as a practical guide in her daily work. “Sometimes we know nutrition is important, but we lack tools to integrate it in planning. This handbook is simple, practical, and something I can use immediately,” she explained.

The Parish Development Model, launched as Uganda’s flagship approach for grassroots transformation, continues to expand its scope beyond poverty eradication to include issues such as nutrition, food security, and inclusive growth.

With the orientation concluded, leaders in Kyenjojo expressed commitment to apply the knowledge acquired to ensure that nutrition is prioritized in parish-level planning and implementation.

Participants in a group photo at the end of the training