Leadership challenges in enhancing food hygiene and safety in urban communities: a case study of Mbale municipality.

Abstract

The dissertation presents findings of the study on leadership challenges in enhancing food hygiene and safety in Mbale Municipality. The overall objective was to find out challenges leaders of Mbale Municipality face in enhancing food hygiene and safety. The findings of this study are important to the leadership and community of Mbale Municipality as they enhance food hygiene and safety. It also adds to the existing body of knowledge on food hygiene and safety in Uganda. The study was carried out in Mbale Municipality in the two Divisions of Industrial and Northern. The study involved 120 participants in providing data to this study. Data collection was carried out in three (3) months, June to August 2010. Instruments used to collect data included; semi structured questionnaires, interview guide, observation guide, documentary analysis and focus group discussion guide. It was revealed in the study that the leadership in Industrial and Northern division of Mbale Municipality had not influenced food vendors and others in enhancing food hygiene and safety. The study further reveals that there is lack of inspection of food premises and health education by both technical and local leaders in Mbale Municipality. The study recommends that the leadership of Mbale Municipality should uphold the coordination approach with other stake holders in promoting food hygiene practices. Further still, leaders should motivate and facilitate technical staff and local council structures in providing health education and information on food hygiene and safety to food vendors in Mbale Municipality.