Advocating for the Elimination of Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Uganda

Mufasha Uganda’s Commitment to Eliminating Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Uganda

At Mufasha Uganda, we are deeply committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Ugandans, particularly children and vulnerable populations, through robust public health policy advocacy. Since our founding, we have led evidence-based campaigns to reduce diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a growing focus on eliminating harmful industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) from the national food supply.

Our Advocacy Journey on iTFA Elimination

Over the past two years, Mufasha Uganda has positioned itself at the forefront of Uganda’s iTFA policy advocacy landscape. We have undertaken deliberate and sustained engagements aimed at influencing national policy frameworks and mobilizing public awareness on the health risks associated with iTFA consumption.

1. Policy Engagements with the Ministry of Health

Mufasha Uganda has proactively engaged with the Ministry of Health’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Division and the Department of Nutrition to push for the adoption of best-practice regulatory measures aligned with the WHO’s REPLACE framework. Our engagements include:

• Submitting position papers and technical recommendations advocating for the 2% iTFA limit in all fats, oils, and foods, and a complete ban on partially hydrogenated oils.
• Participating in technical stakeholder consultations and policy validation meetings convened by the Ministry of Health and partners.
• Providing technical input into the draft Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP III) and proposing integration of iTFA elimination targets.

2. Coalition Building and Multi-Stakeholder Mobilization

Recognizing the power of collective action, we have initiated and co-hosted roundtable dialogues bringing together CSOs, academia, media, and public health professionals to:

• Build consensus on the urgent need for iTFA regulation.
• Develop a joint civil society communiqué submitted to the Ministry of Health in support of mandatory regulation.
• Create a platform to monitor and counter industry interference in public health policymaking.

3. Public Education and Media Advocacy

Mufasha Uganda runs a targeted media campaign to elevate public understanding of iTFA risks and generate public support for regulation. Highlights include:

• Hosting radio talk shows and Twitter Spaces with public health experts to explain the dangers of trans fats.
• Developing infographic series and animated videos shared across social media, reaching over 150,000 Ugandans.
• Publishing op-eds in leading national newspapers calling for bold legislative action to eliminate iTFA.

4. Research and Evidence Generation

We have worked with nutrition researchers and university partners to compile data on the presence of iTFA in common processed foods in Kampala and urban centers. This evidence underpins our policy recommendations and strengthens our credibility with decision-makers.

Protecting Uganda’s Children from Hidden Food Dangers:

Mufasha Uganda’s Advocacy to Eliminate Trans Fats

At Mufasha Uganda, we believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life—free from preventable diseases caused by harmful ingredients in the food they eat. One of the greatest but least visible threats to child health in Uganda today comes from industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA)—a dangerous component often found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks consumed by millions, including children.

These fats have no health benefits and are proven to increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. Alarmingly, children are being exposed to these risks early—through school snacks, street food, and products aggressively marketed without transparent labeling or regulation.

Our Commitment to Child Health through Policy Change

Mufasha Uganda has made it our mission to eliminate iTFA from Uganda’s food supply through strong, evidence-based public policy. Our advocacy efforts are rooted in our broader child health agenda, recognizing that protecting food quality today safeguards children’s health outcomes tomorrow.

Since 2023, we have:

• Engaged the Ministry of Health and the Department of Nutrition to call for urgent regulatory action limiting iTFA to no more than 2% of total fat in all foods and banning partially hydrogenated oils altogether.
• Pushed for the integration of iTFA elimination into the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP III) and other child-focused public health strategies.
• Convened national dialogues with pediatricians, public health experts, and CSOs to spotlight the dangers of trans fats to child development and long-term wellness.
• Reached over 150,000 people—many of them caregivers and parents—with radio campaigns, social media advocacy, and school-based awareness programs that educate communities about harmful food choices and how to avoid them.

Why iTFA Elimination is a Child Rights Issue

Trans fats are often hidden in foods marketed directly to children—biscuits, chips, and fried snacks that are inexpensive, widely available, and consumed daily. Without regulation:

• Children are silently exposed to long-term health risks.
• Parents lack the information and protection needed to make safe food choices.
• The health system is burdened with preventable NCDs among young populations.

We view the elimination of iTFA as a child protection issue, not just a nutrition concern. Our advocacy is guided by the principle that the right to health and safe food is non-negotiable—especially for children who cannot speak for themselves in policymaking arenas.

Looking Ahead: A Trans Fat-Free Uganda for Our Children

Mufasha Uganda is committed to being a credible, child-centered voice in Uganda’s food policy reforms. With support from partners like the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, we aim to ensure that Uganda adopts a best-practice, mandatory iTFA regulation by 2026—one that puts children’s health at the center of national food safety standards.

When we eliminate harmful trans fats, we’re not just improving food quality—we’re investing in our children’s future.