Transforming food safety and nutrition in Fort Portal’s streets
As part of this effort, KRC distributed 15 newly improved food stalls to street vendors along Kampala Road in Fort Portal City.
Fort Portal: In the bustling streets of Fort Portal, where the aroma of freshly prepared food fills the air, street food vendors have long been a cherished part of daily life.
From steaming bowls of beans to sizzling plates of grilled meat, these food stalls are a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant food culture.
However, despite their popularity, food safety and nutrition standards were often overlooked, posing risks to both vendors and customers.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the Kabarole Resource and Research Centre (KRC) launched a bold initiative to enhance food safety, promote better nutrition, and uplift local vendors.
As part of this effort, KRC distributed 15 newly improved food stalls to street vendors along Kampala Road in Fort Portal City.
Sharrif Mohammed, the Director of KRC, highlighted the pressing issues vendors faced, including poor cooking conditions and inadequate food storage.
“Food was often prepared in unsanitary conditions, making it vulnerable to contamination. Vendors lacked proper cooking equipment, and food storage was inadequate, leading to concerns about foodborne illnesses and a lack of nutritional diversity in meals,” explained Sharrif.
He emphasized that the initiative aimed to provide vendors with modern food stalls that comply with health regulations while promoting better hygiene and nutrition.
Fort Portal City Member of Parliament Alex Ruhunda announced that, in collaboration with MTN, KRC, the City Council, and Bridge Institute, vendors would soon benefit from free internet and security camera services to enhance business operations.
“For a growing smart city, we must invest in smart technology. To help our vendors compete in an era of innovation, we are installing internet in our markets, enabling them to sell their products both locally and internationally,” Ruhunda stated.
For many street food vendors, receiving the improved food stalls marked a turning point. Sharon Tushabe, who has been selling fried chicken and chips on Fort Portal’s streets for over four years, expressed her gratitude.
“Before KRC stepped in, I knew little about food safety. I constantly worried about food storage and whether my meals were safe for customers. Now, I feel proud knowing that I’m providing fresh, safe, and healthy food,” said Tushabe, smiling.
The transformation was also evident among customers, especially taxi operators who frequently eat at the food stalls. Many expressed greater confidence in the safety and quality of their meals, leading to increased foot traffic, higher sales, and more stable incomes for vendors.
The 15 improved food stalls are just the beginning. Fort Portal City officials are committed to expanding the initiative to benefit even more street vendors.
“City Council plans to extend this project across all vendor zones,” said Albert Aheebwa, the City Speaker. He also revealed that formal gazetting of business entities will begin in the next financial year as part of efforts to create a greener, more organized tourism city.
As Fort Portal continues to grow, its street food vendors are proving that with the right support, small businesses can play a crucial role in public health, nutrition, and economic development.
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