Nutrition experts push for tougher rules on food ads near schools

What the report says

Nutrition experts in Uganda are urging stricter controls on food advertising near schools after research presented at a youth seminar in Kampala found that 86 percent of outdoor adverts within 250 metres of selected primary and secondary schools promoted unhealthy products. The seminar, held at Kyambogo University on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, also called for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels and tighter limits on marketing foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

The Independent Uganda reports that the discussion comes as the country works to implement its National Nutrient Profile Model, a Ministry of Health framework signed in February and launched in August 2026 to help classify foods that exceed nutrient thresholds. Professor Charles Muyanja of Makerere University presented the school-advertising finding, while other speakers warned that children remain exposed to products linked to diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Participants also raised concern about ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks entering the diets of children as young as six to 36 months. Okot Ribon Musoga of the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights said processed foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats are a growing problem, citing a 2024 food landscape survey that reportedly found many sampled products exceeded sodium, sugar or saturated-fat limits.

The seminar highlighted the need for clearer consumer information, stronger enforcement and possible penalties for violations. Speakers said front-of-pack warnings could help shoppers identify products of concern more easily and could also pressure manufacturers to reformulate recipes, but they noted that any system would depend on government action, monitoring and public awareness.