The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) convened the 87th meeting of the National Codex Committee on May 22, 2025, to deliberate on critical issues including the refinement of operating procedures and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the committee. The session brought together key stakeholders in food safety and standards, with CONSENT represented by Mr. Bwambale Bernard, Head of Programs.
Opening Remarks and Strategic Vision
The meeting commenced with a welcome address from Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director of UNBS. He commended the committee for the successful organization and hosting of the Codex Committee for Africa (CCAfrica25) conference held earlier in January 2025. Eng. Kasigwa urged the committee to broaden its expertise by incorporating professionals from the engineering and information technology fields. This diversification, he noted, would enhance the committee’s competitiveness and capacity to address emerging challenges in food safety.
Eng. Kasigwa further emphasized the necessity of fostering strong collaborations with international standardization bodies to align Uganda’s food safety protocols with global best practices. He called for a paradigm shift in the mindset towards food safety standardization, highlighting the critical importance of cultivating a culture of quality amid increasing globalization. Innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies were underscored as essential drivers for the committee’s future success.
Focus on Operating Procedures and Sustainability
A significant agenda item was the development of a comprehensive operating procedure manual designed to streamline the committee’s functions and ensure its sustainability. Members discussed frameworks that would enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the committee’s operations, thereby strengthening its role in national food safety governance.
Addressing Food Safety Challenges
The committee engaged in an in-depth discussion on recent food safety concerns, particularly the country’s response to food poisoning incidents. Updates were provided on newly formulated standards aimed at preventing future outbreaks. However, members identified the absence of a dedicated standards council as a major obstacle hindering the formal review, approval, and adoption of these critical standards.
CONSENT’s Contributions and Upcoming Initiatives
Mr. Bwambale Bernard from CONSENT briefed the committee on forthcoming activities planned for the National Food Safety Day. The initiatives include a food safety walk, a national dialogue on food safety, and a high-level breakfast meeting involving key stakeholders. Additionally, awareness campaigns are scheduled to be broadcast on radio and television, complemented by community engagement programs designed to educate the public on food safety practices.
Conclusion
The 87th National Codex Committee meeting marked a pivotal step towards enhancing Uganda’s food safety framework through strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and innovation. The committee’s commitment to developing robust procedures and embracing multidisciplinary expertise signals a proactive approach to safeguarding public health in an increasingly interconnected world.
